Papua New Guinea: What's in My Cup series
What’s in My Cup — Papua New Guinea | Medium Roast
Ooh, to say I was excited to start this bag of coffee is an understatement. I was excited to get back down in roast level — to the subtlety, the playful hints of flavors and aroma. I love the game. I love the challenge.
When I opened the bag, I stuck my schnoz in and breathed deeply. I intentionally pull the aroma beyond the front of my nose and toward the back, letting it settle into the soft palate.
The first thing that hit me was familiarity.
And I should say — when we talk about notes of chocolate or cherry or floral, it’s not a literal, artificially flavored taste. These are hints shaped by the region, the soil, the surrounding flora and climate.
Breathing in Papua New Guinea, I got fig newton cookies. A warmth. A figgy fruit. Something gently caramelized.
One thing I noticed — the cup goes fast.
Here’s a coffee-snob description of Papua New Guinea:
Papua New Guinea coffees are known for their balance and layered sweetness. Grown in volcanic soil at high elevations, these beans often show soft fruit character — think dried fig, caramelized sugar, cocoa, and gentle spice. The body tends to be silky and rounded rather than sharp, with acidity that feels bright but never aggressive. It’s the kind of cup that feels complex without trying too hard — everything in harmony.
Here’s something interesting about the region of Papua New Guinea:
Most coffee in Papua New Guinea is grown by smallholder farmers on tiny plots of land, often just a few acres carved into mountainous jungle terrain. Many farms still hand-pick and process their coffee the way their families have for generations. The rugged landscape and rich volcanic soil create ideal growing conditions, which is why PNG coffees often carry that unique combination of fruit brightness and deep sweetness.
Please don’t leave this one off your list as you travel the world cup by cup.
Right now, if you’re unsure, pop on over to www.freethebean.net
Grab a sampler pack at cost plus + tax. I’ll cover the shipping.
There’s really no reason not to get in The Routine and improve your daily wake-up.