ARKIB PROTOKOL #0036 MEKARIA

Breaking down coffee quality to its very core has always been central to Arkib’s pursuit. Since 2021 we have worked closely at farm level studying cultivation practices fermentation environments and the link between processing and flavour. These explorations gradually shaped our collaboration with small producers and led to the creation of the Protokol series a collection of custom processed coffees developed together with producers to express experimentation while preserving origin identity. Protokol Mekaria #0036 is our latest release combining aerobic and anaerobic stages into a layered and multidimensional profile.

This hybrid process is designed to prioritise clarity while building controlled complexity. Ripe red cherries are first floated to remove defects before undergoing 24 hours of aerobic fermentation in open barrel conditions. Through years of processing experience we found this stage helps maintain cleaner structure and reduces over fermentation while preserving cherry freshness. The coffee is then depulped and moved into 120 hours of honey anaerobic fermentation where delicate sweetness and deeper complexity begin to form.

The result is expressive and highly distinctive. On filter the cup opens with red aromatics and fresh green character reminiscent of bunga kantan often used in asam pedas. Roselle and red plum unfold alongside red date and goji berry sweetness with a subtle galangal note emerging as the cup cools. As espresso it becomes more tropical with mata kucing lychee guava and green apple before evolving into a creamier profile reminiscent of durian crepe and butter cup texture. With milk it turns velvety and ice cream like with honeycomb sweetness and a burrata like dairy finish. Mekaria stands as one of our most successful Protokol expressions this year.