Hey there, coffee lovers! If you're as curious about the world of specialty coffee as we are, you've probably heard about the Cup of Excellence (COE). But what exactly is this competition, and why has it become such a big deal in Indonesia? Grab your favorite brew, and let's dive in!
The Cup of Excellence: A Beacon of Quality
The COE is like the Oscars of the coffee world. It's a prestigious competition and auction program that started in Brazil back in 1999 with one goal: to find and celebrate the best coffees on the planet. The Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) runs the show, ensuring that every bean is judged fairly and transparently.
Rigorous Selection Process
So, how do they determine which coffees are worthy of the COE title? It all comes down to a rigorous selection process. Farmers submit their best beans, and a panel of expert cuppers (think coffee sommeliers) blind-taste each one. They're looking for the crème de la crème in terms of aroma, flavor, acidity, body, sweetness, and aftertaste. No favoritism here—it's all about the quality!
Economic Impact and Transparency
Winning the COE is a game-changer for coffee producers. It puts their beans on the map, allowing them to access specialty markets and command higher prices. This can transform not only their lives but also their entire communities. Plus, the COE ensures that farmers receive the premiums directly, promoting transparency and fairness in the coffee trade.
Educational Benefits and Global Reach
The COE isn't just about competition; it's also about education. Farmers receive valuable feedback from the expert cuppers, helping them improve their craft. This has led to a ripple effect of quality improvements throughout the industry. And with the COE now in multiple countries, from Colombia to Ethiopia, it's fostering a global culture of excellence.
Indonesia's COE Journey: A Rising Star
In 2021, Indonesia joined the COE family, and it's been a wild ride ever since. The country's unique terroir and skilled farmers have proven to be a winning combination, with Indonesian coffees consistently impressing the judges.
The Power of Recognition and Knowledge Sharing
We had the pleasure of speaking with Dandy Dharmawan, the owner of Ijen Lestari coffee processor, who ranked 4th in the first Indonesian COE and then claimed the top spot in 2021 with his renowned Carbonic Maceration process. Dandy shared some fascinating insights into how participating in the COE has been a game-changer for his business.
"Winning the Cup of Excellence in 2021 changed a lot for me. I gained a wealth of knowledge and met people from the international coffee scene who appreciated our work. The recognition motivated me to keep pushing forward."
Beyond the international recognition, Dandy emphasized the value of the information exchange that comes with being part of the COE community. The feedback and knowledge he gained from expert cuppers and fellow participants have been invaluable in helping him elevate the quality of his coffee.
"In general, scores past 85 are very hard to achieve, and any increment past that is challenging. We scored 88.75 in 2021, and I thought it would be very difficult to improve further, yet we made it, scoring the highest-ever score for Indonesian coffee in an official competition. (91.41)"
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, where we dive deeper into our conversation with Dandy and explore the impact of the COE on Ijen Lestari's journey to coffee stardom! Drop your email at the end of this post to get notified!
The Future is Bright
The Cup of Excellence has undoubtedly made waves in Indonesia's coffee industry, and we can't wait to see what the future holds. By spotlighting exceptional quality, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating knowledge sharing, the COE is helping to elevate Indonesian coffee on the global stage.
So, the next time you sip on a cup of Indonesian specialty coffee, remember the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into every bean. Who knows? You might just be tasting a future Cup of Excellence winner!
Indonesia's Top COE Winners: A Taste of Excellence
Let's take a look at some of the Indonesian coffees that have stolen the show:
2021
- Pantan Musara - Aceh (Score: 89.28)
- Ibun Ita - West Java (Score: 89.04)
- Pantan Musara - Aceh (Score: 88.89)
- Ijen Lestari - East Java (Score: 88.89)
2022
- Koperasi Ribang Gayo Musara - Aceh (Score: 90.59)
- Pegasing Takengon Utara - Aceh (Score: 89.85)
- Frinsa Weninggalih - West Java (Score: 89.59)
2023
- Ijen Lestari - East Java (Score: 91.41)
- Wajamala - East Nusa Tenggara (Score: 90.35)
- Angin-angin - Aceh (Score: 90.06)
These coffees showcase the incredible diversity and potential of Indonesian specialty coffee, from the honey-processed Ateng Super of Aceh to the natural Sigararutang of West Java.