is a rare and unique coffee grown on rich volcanic soils around Mount Sesean on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The coffee is cultivated in small home gardens by ten families belonging to the "Toraja" tribe.

The Toraja represent one of the few independent ethnic groups in the Sulawesi highlands who have managed to maintain their distinctive cultural identity reflected in their language, social rituals and religion. They are talented and renowned craftsmen of fascinating wooden artwork designed to express their complex philosophy of life.

The coffee corresponds with the individuality of their culture in every aspect; the Arabica variety in use has practically disappeared from the globe, due to its petite yield compared to those of other commercially grown plants. Cultivation, crop harvest and processing are completely manual and resemble an historical form of private coffee production.

This handmade delicacy meets our highest quality demands, and those of the gourmet- with a clear unmistakable fragrance, an intense yet creamy body with just a hint of spiciness in its flavour.

During 2001, InterAmerican Coffee noticed this coffee of extremely limited availability at "Da Capo" specialty coffee roastery. In co-operation with Da Capo we inspired ten Toraja families to form a "Tongkonan" (family co-operative).

In order to exclusively produce a magnificent coffee according to our specific requirements.

The members of Tongkonan only hand pick fully ripe, deep red cherries which are then placed in wooden barrels and covered with clear spring water.

The pulping process is conducted manually by gently pounding the cherries with a pestle and regularly rinsing the parchment until all residue has been removed. The wet parchment is evenly spread out on mats and continually turned for a gentle sun drying. This task may take up to four weeks as the process is interrupted by recurrent tropical rain showers.

Upon completion of the drying process all members of the Tongkonan congregate in order to peel the parchment shells off the coffee beans. Simultaneously they select only uninjured, jade green beans. These sound beans are collected in small cotton wool sacks for storage until a consignment is prepared for dispatch.

In recognition of the unique value of their coffee, the Toraja ultimately pack these exceptional jade green beans in small wooden barrels carrying approximately 3 pounds each. These barrels are carved from the native and fast growing Bo´bok trees.

Additionally each barrel is carved and decorated with symbols representing the wisdom and values of the Toraja culture and then hand painted with earthen colours. Therefore each is always a matchless piece of artwork reflecting the inspiration these families feel towards their product. To enhance your pleasure we have enclosed an interpretion of the individual carvings on each barrel.

The coffee is meticulously packed into these barrels and immediataly despatched by airfreight to Europe. Upon arrival each consignment and its quality is cross checked and sealed by Da Capo and InterAmerican Coffee prior to distribution.