SUMATRA | CV. Kuala Bengi

CV. Kuala Bengi is a processing company in Aceh Tengah that works with 180 small family farms scattered across the Gayo highlands. This is classic Sumatra—wet-hulled to create that signature earthy, herbal, and cedary profile that espresso blenders and dark roast enthusiasts seek out. The Gayo highlands of Aceh have been producing coffee since the Dutch colonial period, and many of the farms here have been in the same families for generations. Trees grow in the shade of larger canopy trees, often intercropped with vegetables and spices. After harvest, farmers perform initial processing at small backyard facilities before selling parchment to CV. Kuala Bengi, where it undergoes the wet-hulling process. The wet-hulled method's abbreviated 2-3 day drying time creates coffee that's fundamentally different from dry-processed beans. The result is low acidity, heavy body, and complex earthy notes ranging from cedar and tobacco to dark chocolate. While some specialty coffee circles have historically overlooked Sumatra, there's a growing appreciation for these unique flavors when executed well. CV. Kuala Bengi's quality control ensures cleaner cups while preserving the character that makes Sumatra distinctive.