Exotic Gourmet Flavor . . . Truly Unique
It was the maitre de at the Hotel Principe Leopoldo in Lugano,
Switzerland who introduced me to Sumatra Mandheling.
After an exquisite dinner, he presented six or seven different gourmet coffees
suitable for an after dinner drink. I pondered the list, when, following this
hesitant clue, he remarked: "Being American's I suggest you try a very different
and good Dutch coffee – Mandheling from Sumatra."
I nodded approvingly even though, due to his heavy accent, I didn't initially
grasp the name of his recommended coffee. But when the waiter arrived with his
sterling silver coffee pot, and began pouring into our fine china cups, the
aroma was heavenly – and the exotic flavor truly unique.
I had about four cups of Sumatra Mandheling during that afternoon and
evening . . . and even more the next morning at breakfast – compliments
of the maitre de. It's been a favorite of mine ever since.
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By Chance, By Luck, By Swiss Train
The scenery from Chur to Lugano was breathtaking as our train weaved its way
through the countryside and narrow gorges, and skirting one of Switzerland's
largest glaciers.
With video camera in hand, we left the crowded coaches in the middle of the
train and headed to the front where the view was much better. The wide, plush
seats and open viewing were just awesome. Hmmmm, we thought. Why aren't more
folks "up front".
It was shortly thereafter when a distinguished young Italian Colonel, in full
military uniform, came to pay us a visit.
Demanding our passport in fluent English, he began to ask questions. When it was
my chance to speak, I thought I better mention that my father had also served in
the Italian Army in Tirano during World War I.
Good thing. Our Italian Colonel friend said we were in "reserved" first class
seats, but not to worry. After all, we were money-spending tourists. He sat down
and visited with us for awhile, then he gave me a card and told me to present it
to the maitre de at the Hotel Principe Leopoldo in Lugano – huh, it was
his cousin!
So, by chance or luck, that's how I was introduced to Sumatra Mandheling.
Ideal For Growing Gourmet Coffee
Mandheling is the finest growing region in Sumatra – itself one of the largest
of the 13,700+ islands comprising the Republic of Indonesia.
Grown near the port of Pandang in west-central Sumatra, the growing altitude of
2,500 to 5,000 feet is ideal for cultivating one of the world's finest gourmet
coffees.
Only 15% or so of all the coffee grown in Indonesia is Arabica – like the
Sumatra Mandheling coffee bean – which meets the standards of gourmet
quality coffee. The other 85% is the Robusta species, a commonly used coffee for
commercial blending.
Interestingly, coffee trees were originally brought to Indonesia in the early
19th century by Dutch planters who sought to break the world-wide Arabic
monopoly on the cultivation of coffee.
Within a few years, Indonesian coffee dominated the world's coffee market. Yet
by the end of the century disease completely destroyed the crop. Coffee trees
were successfully replanted and quickly gained a large share of the world market
until the plantations were ravaged again during World War II.
Yes, Sumatra
Mandheling is one of the world's most distinctive coffees – full-bodied,
resonant, low-toned, elegantly delightful, with a flavorful taste and wonderful
aroma.
Mandheling is often times referred to as a coffee for romantics. I can just
visualize Sidney Greenstreet sitting on a wicker chair talking to Peter Lorre as
a sarong clad young lady pours him a cup of Mandheling. "I'll have another cup
of Mandheling and start looking for the bird later."
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