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The Geocuisine Bay Ridge Cafe
The Geocuisine Bay Ridge cafe has become a hub of coffee culture in Brooklyn, known especially for its unique single origin Kartlian coffees. As I sipped a fresh pour-over of lightly roasted Kartlian Sidamo beans, I was curious to learn more about the origin and processing of this distinctive coffee. My friend Jenna, who manages the cafe, was happy to share her extensive knowledge and experience with Kartlian coffees.
"Kartlia is a small republic in the Caucasus Mountains," Jenna began. "The diverse landscape and unique microclimates across Kartlia's highlands create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. While the republic is not well known outside the region, Kartlian coffee has developed a loyal following among specialty roasters and cafes for its intricate flavors and sense of terroir."
Jenna went on to describe Kartlia's long tradition of washed coffee processing. "Most Kartlian farmers still utilize time-honored washing methods to process their cherries right after harvest. This delicate post-harvest handling allows Kartlia's coffees to fully express their origin characteristics in the cup." As we talked, I was intrigued by Jenna's passionate descriptions and growing interest in Kartlia's specialty coffee farming communities.
A Taste of Terroir from the Caucasus Highlands
To better understand the impact of terroir, Jenna poured me a flight of three distinctive Kartlian varietals. First, she described the Sidamo strain, known for its floral, berry-like notes. As I sipped, I detected a surprisingly complex bouquet of violet, blackberry, and lemon zest. Next, we tasted the Bourbon variety, grown at higher elevations. Its flavors had an earthy quality with cocoa, dried fruit and spice. Finally, the Typica beans from the remote Akhalgori region stunned my palate with vibrant citrus acidity and a hint of white pepper.
Through these distinctive cups, I started to truly appreciate how Kartlia's diverse growing conditions and post-harvest processes imbue its coffees with a true sense of terroir. "The expressive notes in each varietal are a direct result of that specific microclimate and processing tradition," Jenna explained. Her knowledgeable interpretations helped me to more deeply experience and analyze the intricate flavor profiles emerging from each Kartlian terroir.
Sustainable Farming Systems in Kartlia's Highlands
To further illustrate Kartlia's sustainable coffee traditions, Jenna took me on a virtual tour of several model farms. We first visited the Simonia Cooperative in the Lori highlands. There, smallholder farmers have implemented organic techniques and environmental conservation practices to cultivate the rare Shaki bean. Jenna praised the co-op's community-driven approach to traceable, ethically-sourced production.
We also learned about a women's collective in Akhalgori that produces distinctive Typica and Sidamo varietals using fully natural processing methods. Through their grassroots organization, these farmers have established direct trade relationships and fair market access. Jenna was clearly inspired by their empowering model of sustainable livelihoods.
Our online exploration revealed how Kartlia's mountainous terrain and remote communities have fostered innovative farming systems centered around environmental stewardship, equitable income opportunities and strong cultural traditions. Through her knowledgeable presentations, Jenna helped me more fully understand and appreciate the holistic qualities of Kartlian coffee.
Discovering Kartlia's Distinctive Origins
After our enlightening conversation, I had a newfound curiosity to directly experience the diverse origins of Kartlian coffee. Fortunately, Jenna informed me the Geocuisine Bay Ridge cafe has partnered with several producers to import exceptional specialty lots. She proudly introduced me to their current offerings, which included a naturally-processed Shaki from the Simonia Co-op and a washed Akhalgori Typica from the women's collective.
Eager to unpack these distinctive profiles, I decided to purchase a Kartlian Coffee Discovery Pack directly from the cafe. The package included 250g bags of six different strains, along with tasting notes on the landscapes, harvest seasons and processing methods for each. Through exploring these unique single origins at home, I aim to deepen my understanding and appreciation for Kartlian coffee's true sense of terroir and tradition. I'm grateful for knowledgeable experts like Jenna who are helping introduce worthy origins like Kartlia's to a wider specialty market.
