Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and is enjoyed in a wide variety of ways. An interesting and often overlooked category is Aged Coffee, also known as matured coffee. This variety is coffee that has been stored for an extended period of time, whether intentionally or unintentionally. During this storage period, the coffee undergoes various changes that can refine its flavor in unique ways. Aged Coffee is therefore often considered a true delicacy.
The origins of Aged Coffee can be traced back to the early 1500s, when coffee first arrived in Europe. At that time, coffee destined for the European market was shipped from Yemen via South Africa and had to endure a long journey before reaching its destination. During this journey, the coffee aged and was also affected by the salty sea air. This natural aging and exposure to the elements gave the coffee a unique character and led to the creation of the first Aged Coffee.
It is important to note that there is a difference between Aged Coffee and old coffee. While old coffee simply loses its flavors due to poor storage, Aged Coffee gains flavor and body over time. The goal of Aged Coffee is not to create new flavors, but rather to bring out the flavors already present in the coffee beans. For this reason, Aged Coffee often selects coffee beans that are already low in acidity and have a distinct body prior to storage.
There are several varieties of Aged Coffee, one of which particularly stands out: the Monsooned Malabar, also known as Monsoon Malabar. This coffee enjoys great popularity due to its exceptionally mild flavor. The coffee beans used for Monsooned Malabar are first stored for about three to four months so that they are exposed to the monsoon rains and winds. This process causes the beans to swell and lose acidity. The name "Malabar" refers to the Malabar coast of India, where this special type of storage takes place.
