We navigate the sparkling azure waters, arriving at the rugged, volcanic terrain of Flores Island. This isolated beauty in the eastern Indonesian archipelago is home to an extraordinary brew that captivates coffee lovers around the world: Flores Bajawa coffee.

Tucked away in the Ngada district in Central Flores, Bajawa is known for its traditional villages, ancient megalithic cultures, and of course, its distinct coffee. The volcanic soils from the nearby Inerie volcano provide the perfect, nutrient-rich grounds for growing coffee. With every step you take in this region, you feel as if you're not just in a different part of Indonesia, but a different part of time itself.

The close-knit communities here live in harmony with nature, respecting the land and the coffee it produces. This respect reflects in their coffee cultivation practices. The farmers of Bajawa apply traditional agricultural methods, favoring organic composts over synthetic fertilizers, and nurturing each coffee plant with care. Every ripe cherry is picked by hand, ensuring that only the best go into making the iconic Flores Bajawa coffee.

Flores Bajawa coffee is wet-processed, resulting in a clean, well-defined taste. As we sip on a freshly brewed cup, we are greeted by a bold, medium-bodied coffee with a mild acidity. Notes of dark fruit, plum caramel, with a like-berries sweetness aftertaste that leaves a memorable impression. It's a fitting tribute to the rugged, untamed beauty that is Flores.

As we sit amongst the ancient, stone monoliths that punctuate the landscape, drinking in both the coffee and the culture, it's clear how intrinsically linked the two are. Every sip of Flores Bajawa coffee feels like a taste of the land and its rich history.