When many people think of Indonesian coffee, they often picture deep, earthy flavours, heavy body, and low acidity. This month’s Specialty Estate offers something a little different. Our August release, Sulawesi Yolan Tirta – Malino Typica Washed, showcases a brighter, cleaner, and more fruit-forward side of Indonesian coffee.
This washed Typica microlot comes from Panaikang Village in the Gowa Regency of South Sulawesi, where producer Yolan Tirta has been helping reshape the region’s reputation for specialty coffee. Founded in 2016, Yolan’s mill was created with a clear focus on improving processing quality, supporting local producers, and bringing greater attention to the potential of South Sulawesi coffee.
That focus on quality is especially clear in the processing. While many Indonesian coffees are known for heavier, earthier profiles, this lot is fully washed, giving it a cleaner and brighter character. After depulping and fermentation, the coffee is washed clean and dried carefully to preserve clarity, acidity, and sweetness.
The result is a more refined expression of Sulawesi coffee, with the washed process helping highlight both the fruit notes and creamy body. In the cup, this coffee brings together notes of cola, fresh apple, and blueberry compote, supported by tangy acidity and syrupy sweetness. It has enough body to feel familiar and comforting, but the fruit profile gives it a lively edge.
Behind this coffee is a producer driving meaningful change. Yolan Tirta is a third-generation coffee producer who has played an important role in revitalising specialty coffee in South Sulawesi. By introducing improved cultivation and processing methods, as well as establishing mini mills and drying stations, Yolan and his team have helped local farmers meet the demands of the specialty market.
The region’s high humidity presents challenges during drying, so the mill uses solutions such as greenhouses to improve consistency. Coffee is also grown without chemical fertilisers, relying instead on natural methods that support sustainability and help coffee farming coexist with the surrounding conservation forests, wildlife, and biodiversity.
