Yemen Bani Matari Negociant Fatoum Muslot

Cupping Notes

Always a pinnacle of Yemeni coffee, Bani Matari captivates with its appealing rustic sweetness, accompanied by notes of dried fruits, herbs, and spices. The dry fragrance unveils a complex array of aromas, including rustic date sugar, molasses, tobacco, sweet squash, dried apricot, and savory nuts. The wet aroma presents a well-balanced cocoa scent intermingled with malt syrup, dried green herbs, dates, and molasses bread.

Bani Matari's cup profile evolves with changing coffee temperatures, starting with a bittersweet intensity that lays a solid foundation for it’s wilder notes. The coffee reveals natural dried stone fruits and a hint of freeze-dried berries. Dark cocoa flavors are beautifully offset by brown rice syrup and barley malt, complemented by aromatic hints of herbs and spices like anise seed, cumin, and the Middle Eastern spice mix "Baharat" (a blend of sweet and savory spices, including allspice, cumin, nutmeg, and paprika). The depth of flavor is further enriched by accents of dried fig, pipe tobacco, and pepper cask, leaving a lasting impression in the finish.

This intricate and multifaceted profile showcases the unique and rich heritage of Yemeni coffee, making Bani Matari a truly extraordinary experience.

Farm Notes

Bani Matari stands out among the coffees from the high-altitude regions surrounding Sana'a, traditionally kept separate to preserve its unique qualities. Unlike the mixed results of "Sana'ani coffee," Bani Matari's tall, old-growth trees resemble a fruit orchard more than a typical coffee farm. This exceptional lot was secured through Fatoum Muslot, who took over the family coffee business started by her father in the 1950s.

Under Fatoum's management, the family has implemented practices such as stringent hand sorting and the use of Ecotact storage bags, significantly enhancing the coffee's overall quality. We are delighted with the physical condition of the coffees we procured from Fatoum this year; the absence of underripe beans and the use of Ecotact liners have notably improved the resulting cup quality.

With a rich history in the coffee trade, Fatoum's family has forged longstanding connections with farming groups in several growing regions. These relationships enable them to procure coffee in a more direct manner. This particular lot comprises coffee from roughly 100 farmers in Bani Matari, each cultivating an average of 1000 trees on less than half a hectare of land. The altitude in this region is remarkably high, ranging from 2000 to 2400 meters above sea level, contributing to the distinctive character of Bani Matari coffee.

Process: Natural

Varietals: Heirloom

Score: 90

Grade: 1