Indonesia - Karana Carbonic Maceration
Region : Kintamani, Bali
Farm : Karana
Cultivar : S795, Kartika
Altitude : 1 200 m
Process : Carbonic Maceration
Taste notes: Chardonnay, Black Cherry, Chocolate ganache
TASTING
A quick detour to Bali, with no layovers or turbulence.
Every aroma in this singular cup carries you away while keeping your feet on the ground. It opens with a sparkling aromatic lift reminiscent of white grapes, and a bright, punchy fermentation akin to a chilled Chardonnay. Next come rich notes of blackcurrant liqueur and black cherry, evoking the elegance of a summer kir. The finish is soft, sweet and velvety, calling to mind a dark chocolate ganache, smooth with zero bitterness.
ORIGIN
Karana is a collective of 377 smallholder producers from the Kintamani region in Bali. Together, they grow the S795 and Kartika varieties on volcanic soil between 1,200 and 1,300 meters above sea level. This lot showcases their craftsmanship through a rarely used fermentation method: carbonic maceration. Inspired by winemaking, this technique involves placing whole coffee cherries into sealed tanks filled with carbon dioxide instead of oxygen. In this anaerobic environment, fermentation begins more intensely and selectively, allowing bold, expressive and unexpected aromas to shine through. The result is a vibrant, complex and deeply flavorful profile that reflects a terroir confidently coming into its own.
BREWING
Espresso
This coffee shines in short and dynamic extractions. We recommend a turboshot-style approach: 18 g in / 54 g out in 18 s. The result is a bright, punchy espresso carried by a sharp citric acidity balanced by a solid sweetness. Cherry-like malic acidity notes come through beautifully, making this a bold and expressive shot.
In more classic extractions (1:2, 24 to 30 seconds), the intensity increases, making it a perfect companion for milk-based drinks, even in larger sizes.
Filter
Filter brewing highlights this coffee’s finesse. A fine grind and slow extraction bring out its syrupy texture and layered aromas, unfolding sip by sip as the cup cools. A flavour journey worth exploring.
Espresso parameters :
Ground coffee : 18 g
Result in the cup 54 g in 18 sec.
Filter parameters :
Dry coffee : 15 g
Result : 220 g at 91C.