New Guinea
Sigri   A Grade   Lot No. 04

The island of New Guinea is one of the largest and most exotic in the world.  Australia formerly governed two territories on the eastern half of the island: Papua and New Guinea.  These two districts were fused in the early 1940s to become the independent nation of Papua New Guinea, sometimes known as “PNG” in the coffee trade.  The western half of the island is governed by Indonesia.

The Western Highlands of PNG are an incredibly lush and eternally spring-like tropical paradise.  Arabica coffee was first introduced there in 1937, with plants from the famous “Blue Mountains” of Jamaica.  It has flourished ever since, although the country is not as well-known as many other renowned origins. 

Sigri is the most celebrated estate on the island.  It was founded by a real-life “Crocodile Dundee” character from Australia, notorious for his exploits in the region.  The coffees are impeccably processed.  They always look great, and their quality and eminence is invariably noticeable in the cup.  In my opinion, their distinguishing attribute is a subtle note of clean, ripe tropical fruit, sometimes downright mango-like.

Personal Appraisal: This lot is typically elegant and well-balanced, although the acidity is milder than usual.  Medium-full body, solid clean flavor, notes of bittersweet chocolate, nuts and spice; faint wood; and that elusive fruity perfume.