Holiday celebrations offer the ideal chance to give loved ones something sweet – and smell great, too. Give the gift of premium Benguet coffee, Kalinga Robusta, Sagada Houseblend arabica or The Dream Coffee from South Cotababoto and Sulu as part of an effort to end local armed conflict in these communities.
2. Benguet Coffee
Benguet coffee, grown in the highlands of Benguet’s Cordillera region, is widely considered the premier Philippine variety among coffee enthusiasts. Famed for its smooth yet aromatic flavour and low acidity level, this variety features notes of berries, chocolate and nuts – which makes its climate perfect for growing Arabica beans.
Benguet coffee farmers employ an innovative cultivation method known as “wet-process,” in which beans are immersed in water to remove their outermost layer, then allowed to ferment. It is believed that this technique produces higher-quality coffee as its natural oils are preserved and its sweet, citrusy and nutty flavors remain preserved.
Benguet’s Atok coffee is an exceptional premium-grade single origin product originating from a family-owned farm located in Atok village in Benguet Province and processed using two separate postharvest processes for an exquisite flavor profile. Atok trees grow alongside pines and Alnos trees to form this special flavor profile.
Handpicked, sun-dried and roasted by the owners themselves. A medium-dark roast brings out their unique combination of nutty, sweet citrusy, floral flavors; creating an enjoyable full-bodied coffee experience with just a hint of bittersweet sweetness.
The Philippines boasts an abundance of coffee varieties due to its diverse landscapes and microclimates, making it an ideal spot for cultivating all kinds of beans and blends. As a result, consumers have plenty of options when selecting their beverage of choice; many local Philippine coffee brands provide variety in terms of tastes, aromas, flavors and specialty blends – even catering for more discerning palates!
3. Kalinga Coffee
While many coffee lovers may only be familiar with Arabica and Robusta varieties of coffee, there are actually four species grown commercially that differ significantly in flavor, aroma and strength – whether through French Press coffeemaker, drip coffeemaker or simply pots suspended over fire – choosing the appropriate beans can make all the difference in your experience with each method of creating brewed coffee brewing.
Kalinga province in northern Luzon recently unveiled a brand of brewed coffee known as Saltan Brewed Coffee that captures its local flavors. Produced by Mananig Multi-purpose Cooperative on the banks of Saltan River in Taga, Pinukpuk, Kalinga.
Kape Alamid coffee has earned rave reviews worldwide and is revered by coffee connoisseurs worldwide for its distinct musk aroma and global reputation as one of the finest premium beverages on offer. Also known as Kape Alamid, this specialty blend consists of Arabica beans grown locally mixed with Liberica and Excelsa varieties harvested from Liberica plant species which is an endangered plant species hunted for meat or body parts by hunters; therefore the Philippine government as well as private foundations have sponsored efforts that aim at conserving both species simultaneously.
Roasted Civet Coffee is revered for both its characteristic musk scent and smooth and pleasing taste, both of which evoke sweet fruit notes and berries. Furthermore, its acidity-mellowing effects help balance out its high caffeine content from beans grown in Benguet, Sagada and Kalinga regions.
4. Sagada Coffee
Sagada in Mountain Province is one of the country’s premier coffee producers. The area’s dense forests, steep terrain, and high elevation make it the ideal spot for cultivating coffee beans; local Sagada natives have been doing this for decades in backyard and small-scale farms; many residents still boast century-old coffee trees in their yards!
Sagada coffee is a dark-roasted single origin blend featuring notes of caramel and berries for an irresistibly smooth experience on the palate. Packed full of antioxidants that may improve cognitive function while decreasing Alzheimer’s risk, Sagada boasts an amazing finish on every sip!
Sagada coffee beans are traditionally roasted over an open fire for an unforgettable flavor that makes this type of brew special and can be purchased in several specialty stores across the Philippines.
Visit Marikina City’s Coffee Lab for an enjoyable coffee experience. This coffee shop carries beans from different regions of the Cordillera, such as Sagada and Benguet, that are carefully roasted in small batches to preserve flavors and aromas while being organically produced locally. In addition, this cafe also carries drip sets, machines and syrups – providing customers with everything needed for the perfect cup.
The Coffee Lab’s owners, husband and wife team are passionate about coffee. Their mission is to educate others on the advantages of high-quality, locally sourced coffee as a resource to strengthen communities, while serving as an invaluable resource for home brewers looking to start their own brewing businesses. Their shop sells various drip kits such as adorable mugs and pour over kettles; additionally they provide trainings and consulting services, winning several competitions such as Philippine National Latte Art Championship.