Gayo (Aceh)

The Gayo highlands sit at the northern tip of Sumatra in Aceh, ringed by mountains around Lake Laut Tawar and the town of Takengon. It is the largest arabica-growing area in Southeast Asia, farmed almost entirely by smallholders who wet-hull their coffee in the local giling basah style. The result is a heavy, syrupy cup, low in acidity and long on earthy, herbal and dark-chocolate notes, often with a savoury edge that Sumatra lovers prize. Much of the harvest is certified organic or fair trade, and Gayo has become one of the most recognised single origins in Indonesia.