This wonderfully crisp and juicy washed lot from Letefoho is our first dip into Timorese specialty coffee and we couldn't be more impressed. Traditional organic farming methods teamed with the Samoro group's high level of consistency in processing results in a cup of superb quality. A real balanced and sessionable, easy drinker!

Introducing our first drop from Timor-Leste and what a solid coffee it is! Our import partner Karst Organics are a farmer focused importer/exporter who source Specialty grade arabica coffee directly from producers based in Timor-Leste. Stewart and Kar-Yee (co-founders of Karst) spend the entirety of the harvest at origin and are dedicated to championing the exceptional potential that this exciting origin has to offer. The idea of Karst was born during a trip to the coffee producing district of Ermera in the west-central highlands of Timor-Leste back in 2017. After meeting with coffee farmers and hearing their frustrations of working with commercial buyers who seriously undervalued their crop, Kar-Yee and Stewart decided to establish a business that could offer an alternative model, one in which the the farmers could receive a worthy and sustainable price for their coffee.

Karst are in their 6th year of operation and they now have direct partnerships with multiple groups within the coffee growing community in Letefoho. They are successfully helping these producer groups to elevate their coffee quality in order to access opportunities in international markets, and ultimately maximise their earning potential. Not only do Karst invest in people, they also offer a fair and sustainable price for the coffee they purchase. The price of cherry and parchment is always agreed before the start of the harvest and does not fluctuate. Last year's cherry price was around $0.20/kg - $0.30/kg higher than the price offered by commercial buyers depending on movements in the market over the season. This way of working offers a stable and secure model to producers where small increases in price each year have correlated with a steady increase in coffee quality.

We decided to direct our purchases towards one of the 'youngest' groups in question this year. Samoro is made up of 11 members and has been working directly with Karst for their third consecutive year. Experienced lead farmer Orlando Soares oversees the group and in addition to harvesting and processing his own high-quality parchment, Orlando regularly visit all members and offers his experience and encouragement with processing to ensure the consistency and continuity is met from all members. 3 years of support from both Orlando and Karst has definitely unlocked the potential of a truly special fully-washed coffee. We were super impressed by this lots balance and consistency from hot to cold. It's super sweet, crisp, juicy and super versatile. Definitely a sessionable brew, perfect to be enjoyed all day long on whichever brew method you fancy.