Old Brown Java, also known as Old Brown coffee, doesn’t only have a unique flavour, it also has an intriguing origin, dating back to the 16th century. At that time, the Dutch were granted an exclusive licence to trade in Asia, giving birth to the famed Dutch East India Company. On their way back to Europe when the ships were loaded with spices, raw coffee beans were stored away in barrels filled with brine and would provide ballast.
After several months at sea in those casks, the unroasted coffee beans produced a robust, truly unique flavour, completely fortuitously!
Our Old Brown Java comes from the eponymous island, as you would have guessed.
After harvesting and processing the coffee is aged, a process that can last up to 3 years and gives the beans more strength, less acidity and a change of colour from green to light brown; this ageing process replicating the taste which would have been obtained originally.
This coffee is one of the most famous and sought-after aged coffees. It has an exceptional full body with smooth but complex flavours and hints of sweetness. We offer these beans at a medium to strong roast.
Grown at altitudes of 1,400 meters above sea level
Harvested between July and September
Milled by washing and sun drying on raised beds
Has the aroma of oak cask
These beans are suitable for: mild espresso, filter and cafetière
This coffee is also available in 250g valve bags.
Did you know our ordering system allows you to create your own blends? Order each component of the blend separately and than tell us what do do in the special information box. We can then blend it and if required grind it, saving you a potentially messy kitchen worktop
Blending tip: when deciding on a mixed roast blend it usually works better to have more of the milder roast, less of the stronger.
Blending tip: even the strongest roast can be mixed with a normal tasting blend - so long as you use very little. Start by trying one part in four.
