INDONESIA DAMARKANDANG GILBAS CM

East Java is a true haven for fine Indonesian specialty coffee growers. The region is shaped by mountain terraces cool highland air and generous shade creating a landscape that quietly mirrors the coffee farms of Panama. On the slopes of Mount Argopuro sits Argopuro Cooperative led by Pak Muhlisin a producer whose curiosity and drive have shaped some of the most experimental coffees we have encountered in Indonesia.

Always pushing the boundaries of fermentation Pak Muhlisin is driven by learning and constant exploration. Around 2020 he began small batch anaerobic trials using food grade barrels. The results were striking unlocking layers of berries and deep tropical fruits rarely associated with East Java. Encouraged by these outcomes he took a bold step forward constructing a two ton stainless steel tank to scale up anaerobic production while maintaining precision and control.

This year Pak Muhlisin reimagined the traditional wet hulled process by introducing carbonic maceration into its core. Freshly picked cherries are rested overnight in gunny sacks before moving into the Megatron tank for carbonic maceration. Once complete the cherries are pulped and dried on raised beds with the parchment later hulled and dried further until stable moisture is achieved.

The result is Gilbas CM a wet hulled carbonic maceration lot that feels both rooted and progressive. On filter it opens with classic herbal aromatics alongside green mango and cashew. Pulled as espresso the profile transforms revealing jammy red cherry raspberry and panela like sweetness. With milk the carbonic signature shines through with fragrant bubblegum sweet tangy mangosteen and a prune like finish. Gilbas CM elevates the wet hulled tradition and claims its own place among coffees that reward curiosity and attention.