Best Sumatra Coffee Brands: Top 6 Picks
Updated - Team Colipse
The best Sumatra coffee is coffee with specialty-grade Arabica, roasted fresh to order for earthy, spicy, chocolatey flavor, and available online, in specialty stores, or local shops. The best Sumatra coffee is often considered Mandheling for its full body, low acidity, and sweet flavor. Not all Sumatra coffee brands are the same. They differ in origin, roast, processing, freshness, certification, price, and flavor, so no single brand suits everyone.
Key factors include freshness, availability, and cost when choosing the best Sumatra coffee. Some brands are more expensive than others, so knowing sales, subscriptions, and shipping fees ensures the best value for money. With these factors in mind, some of the best Sumatra coffee brands include JBC Coffee Roasters from Wisconsin for their award-winning wet-processed beans, Colipse Coffee from New Mexico for their specialty Grade 1 Sumatra Aceh, and Java Planet from Florida for their organic beans. There are many other coffee beans from Sumatra which are best for specific circumstances, which we will discuss below.
- Colipse Sumatra Aceh
- JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara
- Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo
- Java Planet Sumatra Organic
- Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling GR1
- Black Powder Coffee Decaf Sumatra
1. Colipse Sumatra Aceh
Colipse Sumatra Aceh is a medium-dark roast specialty-grade Arabica coffee from Aceh Province in Indonesia featuring Typica, Ateng, and Jember varietals. Colipse Sumatra Aceh is sourced from an award-winning coffee cooperative, recognized in 2015 with Indonesia’s DEKOPIN Award for excellence. Colipse Sumatra Aceh is the best tasting Sumatra coffee, roasted fresh to order. The coffee is Grade 1 Double Picked, the highest quality Sumatran coffee with minimal defects, hand-sorted twice for consistency and cleaner flavor. The beans are wet-hulled in the Indonesian giling basah method, where parchment is removed while still moist. This process creates a heavy body, earthy depth, and naturally low acidity.
Taste: Colipse Sumatra Aceh coffee has an earthy flavor with dark chocolate, caramel, currant, and juniper notes. It provides a smooth mouthfeel and full body. The aroma has herbal and spiced hints with a naturally sweet finish. This coffee suits espresso and cold brew drinks. It works with drip brewing methods. The best food pair for Colipse Sumatra Aceh coffee includes dark chocolate, aged cheeses, grilled meats, and spicy dishes.
About Colipse Coffee: Colipse Coffee is a family-owned U.S. online store founded in 2024 that sells specialty coffee.
Availability: Colipse Sumatra Aceh coffee sells in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb recyclable bags on the Colipse website. A 12 oz bag costs $21.99 on sale, which comes to about $1.83 per ounce or roughly $1.00 per serving. The coffee comes in coarse, medium, or fine grind. Colipse provides free U.S. shipping on every order and fast delivery in 3–5 business days.
Pros: Award-winning cooperative, Low acidity, Free shipping, Bulk discount, Freshly roasted to order.
Cons: Only online store.
Recommendation: Colipse Sumatra Aceh coffee is best for those seeking specialty-grade Sumatra dark roast that is not oily and works in bean-to-cup or espresso machines without clogging grinders.
| Colipse Sumatra Aceh | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | Grade 1 Double Picked |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Aceh and Lake Toba |
| Altitude | 1,450 - 1,600 meters above sea level |
| Roast Profile | Medium-Dark |
| Flavor Notes | Earthy, dark chocolate, caramel, currant, juniper |
| Processing Method | Wet-hulling (Giling Basah) |
| Average Price in U.S. | $21.99 for 12 oz bag |
| Where to Buy | www.colipsecoffee.com |
2. JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara
JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara is a specialty Sumatra coffee made with medium-light roast Arabica beans grown in Aceh’s highlands. The name Pantan Musara comes from local villages that supply beans to Asman Gayo Mill, which placed 1st, 3rd, and 23rd in the 2021 Indonesian Cup of Excellence. JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara ranks among the best Sumatran beans and suits drinkers who prefer a lighter profile. The beans are wet-processed to preserve fruit, floral, and spice flavors.
Taste: JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara has notes of black grape, nutmeg, graham cracker, plum, and bergamot. Pantan Musara coffee offers a juicy, syrupy body that feels smooth and rich. This body resembles a fresh plum dessert. The coffee works well in black coffee or espresso. It suits pour-over for clarity and French press for deeper body. It pairs with sweet treats.
About JBC Coffee Roasters: JBC Coffee Roasters is a family-owned U.S. specialty roaster that sources and sells high-quality coffee.
Availability: JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara is available directly from JBC Coffee Roasters in Madison, Wisconsin, and through their online store. It comes in 12 oz bags, whole bean or ground, priced at $25, which is about $2.08 per ounce or roughly $1.13 per serving. Orders of three bags or more ship free within the U.S.
Pros: Washed process, Cup of Excellence wins (2021), Multiple grind sizes.
Cons: Higher price, Limited seasonal lots.
Recommendation: JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara suits those seeking premium single origin Sumatra coffee from award-winning growers, offering a syrupy, juicy cup with notes of black grape and nutmeg.
| JBC Coffee Roasters Pantan Musara | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | Grade 1 |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Aceh, Sumatra |
| Altitude | 1,300 - 1,650 meters above sea level |
| Roast Profile | Medium-light |
| Flavor Notes | Black grape, nutmeg, graham cracker, plum, bergamot |
| Processing Method | Washed (wet-processed) |
| Average Price in U.S. | $25.00 for 12 oz bag |
| Where to Buy | JBC Coffee Roasters, Vitruvian Farms |
3. Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo
Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo is a dark roast specialty coffee from Aceh region, made with Abyssinia, Ateng, Gayo 1, Gayo 2, and Timtim beans. Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo comes from the Ribang Gayo Musara Cooperative, which won Indonesia’s 2022 Cup of Excellence. This cooperative includes over 350 local farmers who produce fully washed coffees and traditional wet-hulled beans. Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo is ideal for those seeking authentic Sumatra Gayo coffee and for baristas using French press, moka pot, or espresso machines.
Taste: Ribang Gayo by Coava Coffee offers sweet, fruity notes of brown sugar, honeydew melon, and citrus. It delivers a smooth profile with clean layers and a refreshing aftertaste. The best way to brew Ribang Gayo by Coava Coffee is using a medium-coarse grind with 23 grams of coffee and 350 grams of water heated to 205°F. It pairs well with light pastries or fresh fruit.
About Coava Coffee: Coava Coffee is an independent coffee roaster based in Portland, Oregon, founded by Matt Higgins.
Availability: Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo is available at Coava’s online store, Whole Foods Market, Seattle Coffee Gear, and subscription services like Bean Box. Ribang Gayo sells for $22 per 10.58 oz bag and includes a seasonal subscription. Prices vary by store, location, and size, averaging $2.08 per ounce or $1.14 per serving.
Pros: Transparent origin, Fresh roast-to-order.
Cons: Not in retail stores, Higher price per bag.
Recommendation: Coava Coffee Roasters Ribang Gayo offers top rated Sumatran beans, ideal for drip and espresso brewing.
| Coava Coffee Ribang Gayo | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | Not specified |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Indonesia, Sumatra, Aceh Province |
| Altitude | 1500 - 1700 meters above sea level |
| Roast Profile | Dark |
| Flavor Notes | Brown sugar, honeydew melon, citrus |
| Processing Method | Washed |
| Average Price in U.S. | $22.00 per 10.58 oz bag |
| Where to Buy | Coava Coffee, Whole Foods Market, Seattle Coffee Gear, Bean Box |
4. Java Planet Sumatra Organic
Java Planet Sumatra Organic is a dark roast coffee made from USDA Organic beans grown in Sumatra, Indonesia. Java Planet Sumatra Organic carries USDA Organic certification and passes third-party testing to ensure it is free of mold, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. The beans have low acidity. Java Planet Sumatra Organic works well in drip machines, French presses, and espresso machines.
Taste: Java Planet Sumatra delivers rich earthy flavor with dark chocolate notes and subtle sweetness. It offers full-bodied taste and low acidity. It provides smooth experience and lingering finish resembling a warm brownie. This Sumatra pairs with hearty desserts and rich breakfasts for balance.
About Java Planet Coffee: Java Planet is an independent specialty coffee roaster in Tampa, Florida. It has sourced, roasted, and sold organic coffee since 2009.
Availability: Java Planet Sumatra Organic is available online at Java Planet’s site, Amazon, Walmart, CoffeeLima, and eBay. It costs $25.99 per 16 oz bag with free U.S. shipping. Prices differ by retailer and location.
Pros: USDA Organic certified, Mold & mycotoxin tested, Low acid.
Cons: No detailed farm info, Not freshly roasted to order.
Recommendation: Java Planet Sumatra Organic is the best budget-friendly dark roast coffee for those who want store-bought organic quality.
| Java Planet Sumatra Organic | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | Specialty Grade |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Altitude | High Altitude |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roasted |
| Flavor Notes | Earthy, Dark Chocolate, Subtle Sweetness |
| Processing Method | Wet-Hulled |
| Average Price in U.S. | $25.99 per 16 oz |
| Where to Buy | Java Planet Website, Amazon, Select U.S. Retailers |
5. Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling
Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling is a dark roast coffee from Takengon, Aceh province. Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling beans are sourced from small lots across multiple farms in Sumatra. This is the best Mandheling coffee because the beans are Grade 1, ethically sourced, and Fair Trade certified. The coffee works for cold brewing, French press, percolator, and drip brewing.
Taste: Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling has low acidity, high body, and balanced sweetness. It offers dark chocolate flavor with cedar and vanilla notes. The profile fits black coffee or cold brew, and a French press adds depth. It pairs well with desserts or dark chocolate.
About Simple Roast Coffee: Simple Roast Coffee is an independently owned coffee roaster in Auburn, founded by Matthew Peirson.
Availability: Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling is available on the company’s website for U.S. orders. The coffee comes in a 12 oz dark roast whole bean bag and costs $14.00. Wholesale pricing starts at $200. Prices vary by location and bag size. Orders ship within 1 business day and deliver in 2–5 days.
Pros: Affordable price, Grade 1, Multiple grind options.
Cons: No farm transparency, No certification labels.
Recommendation: Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling GR1 suits whole bean coffee drinkers who prefer high body, low acidity, and dark roast flavors of dark chocolate and cedar.
| Simple Roast Coffee Sumatra Mandheling GR1 | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | GR1 |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Takengon, Aceh, Sumatra |
| Altitude | N/A |
| Roast Profile | Dark |
| Flavor Notes | Dark chocolate, cedar, vanilla |
| Processing Method | Dry processed |
| Average Price in U.S. | $14.00 per 12 oz bag |
| Where to Buy | www.simpleroastcoffee.com |
6. Black Powder Coffee Decaf Sumatra
Black Powder Coffee Sumatra Decaf is a medium-dark roast from Sumatra. Black Powder Coffee Sumatra Decaf uses Swiss Water Process for chemical-free decaffeination. The company sources beans from natural farms and roasts them in small batches. This coffee is best for those wanting Sumatra beans without caffeine and fits manual drip filters and espresso machines.
Taste: Black Powder Coffee Sumatra Decaf has bold chocolate flavors with mulled acidity, a smooth layered texture, and a cocoa finish. The best way to brew Sumatra coffee from Black Powder Coffee is using a French press to highlight its nutty, woody, and earthy flavors. Milk adds creaminess to it. Desserts like chocolate cake or cookies pair well with it.
About Black Powder Coffee: Black Powder Coffee is a limited liability company owned by Mr. David Stahlman that sources and sells specialty coffee online in the U.S.
Availability: Black Powder Coffee Sumatra Decaf is available on the company website and through U.S. partners like Bottomless, North Specialty, and Perfumarie. The Sumatra Decaf coffee from Black Powder Coffee costs $20.00 for a 1 lb bag, about $1.25 per ounce or $0.63 per cup. A 5 lb bag is available. Subscriptions lower the price to $18.00 with 10% off or $16.00 with 20% off.
Pros: Affordable, Chemical-free, Shade-grown.
Cons: Limited transparency on specific farm, Not freshly roasted daily.
Recommendation: Black Powder Coffee Sumatra Decaf suits people who want affordable decaf coffee with bold flavor and chocolate overtones.
| Black Powder Coffee Decaf Sumatra | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Grade | Not specified |
| Coffee Bean Origin | Sumatra |
| Altitude | Not specified |
| Roast Profile | Medium-Dark |
| Flavor Notes | Chocolate overtones |
| Processing Method | Swiss Water Process |
| Average Price in U.S. | $20.00 for 16 oz bag |
| Where to Buy | blackpowdercoffee.com |
How to Choose the Best Sumatran Coffee?
To choose the best Sumatran coffee, select Grade 1 Arabica beans that are hand harvested and roasted within 1–2 weeks. Select roast levels that enhance depth, such as medium or dark, to suit brewing methods like cold brew, French press, espresso, or drip filter. Check certifications for ethical sourcing and choose single-estate, single-origin, or blends to match flavor profiles. The key details on how to choose the best coffee from Sumatra are shown below.
- Choose roast level carefully; light roasts bring herbal brightness, while medium and dark roasts highlight Sumatra’s deep complexity.
- Check for certifications such as Fair Trade or Organic to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Experiment with different brewing methods like drip, espresso, Moka pot, and French press to find your favorite taste.
- Look for freshly roasted beans, ideally consumed within 2–4 weeks post-roast for best flavor.
- Prefer whole beans to ground for longer freshness and richer flavor at brewing time.
- Explore regional varieties like Mandheling, Gayo, and Lintong, each with distinct flavor notes.
- Check the processing method; traditional wet-hulling gives Sumatran coffee its unique earthy taste.
- Purchase from trusted brand or roasters known for quality and authentic sourcing.
Where to Buy the Best Sumatran Coffee Beans?
You can buy the best Sumatra coffee from Colipse Coffee, which offers authentic Sumatra Aceh coffee sourced from Aceh Province in Indonesia. At Colipse Coffee, our 12 oz bag of Sumatra coffee beans is on sale for $21.99, with a regular price of $25.99. Larger 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags are also available. Every order includes free U.S. shipping, multiple grind options, and subscription discounts.
What is the Best Food Pair for Sumatra Coffee?
The best food pair for Sumatra coffee is dark chocolate, grilled meats, or earthy cheeses. Sumatra coffee has a full body and low acidity with herbal and earthy notes, which complement the richness of chocolate, the smokiness of meats, and the savory depth of aged cheeses.
What is the Best Way to Brew Sumatra Coffee?
Brew Sumatra coffee using a French press or pour-over to highlight its bold, earthy flavor. Use water heated to 195–205°F (90–96°C) and a medium-coarse grind. Steep or brew for 4–5 minutes to balance richness with low acidity. Always use freshly ground beans for maximum flavor.