Peet’s Coffee - Aged Sumatra Review

Sumatra, an island in western Indonesia, is known for producing high-quality, highly-sought after coffee beans. Popularized by the growth in a specialty coffee market and by an emphasis on single-origin beans, you can buy Sumatra coffee from just about any of your favorite coffee roasters. So we looked to Peet’s Coffee and their Aged Sumatra for a glimpse into the wonder of these island beans.

Coffee Education: What does it mean to be an “aged” coffee? Aged beans are a gift from the Dutch, a result of the long journeys across trade routes when beans were transported in the wooden hulls of ships (along with spices). Now, modern roasters can simulate similar environments by relying on the tropics for humidity and moisture. To age beans (according to Peet’s), once the right beans are obtained they are held in a tropical place where they can absorb moisture during monsoon season and release some of it during the dry season, without fully drying out. As a result, the beans develop a concentrated body and distinct aromas and flavors. During the aging process, certain flavors will be accentuated while others mellow out, which will highlight the innate flavors in high-quality beans, but will do nothing of substance to low-quality beans.

With all that in mind, and special attention on the aromas and flavors developed during the aging process, let’s brew some Peet’s Aged Sumatra and see what we can discover.

We brewed Aged Sumatra in the French press to our usual specs: 37g grounds, 24oz of 202℉ water, steep 4-5 minutes. I noticed a minimal bloom but an immediate release of dark, robust aromas. There is a strong spice aroma and a prominent earthy, woodiness.

In flavor, Aged Sumatra is a definite dark-roast, with a forward smoky charred quality of old teak. The spice is noticeable, but offers a warming presence and coats the palate rather than offering anything sharp or definitive. The tasting notes include dried fruits and this is an easily missed (if you aren’t expecting to find it) but pleasing quality. The fruits offer a brighter finish to contrast the smokier, woody qualities, and reminds me of stone fruits like apricots and raisins yet remains a gentle presence. This coffee has a smooth, full body that leaves you satisfied by every sip.

If you like dense dark roasts, Sumatra coffees, or are intrigued in the flavor qualities of an aged coffee, this is definitely worth the brew. It carries the dark notes I love while staying balanced with warm spices and a subtle dried fruit finish that leaves you wanting another cup.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew