Schvarz Kaffee stands out as an exceptional and distinguished roastery. They are dedicated to sourcing the finest beans and creating unique flavor profiles, which has made them one of Germany’s top specialty coffee roasters. During the tour, we noticed their impressive attention to detail. We started in the facility, where the team carefully sorts and organizes raw coffee beans before roasting them. We followed the journey of the coffee through roasting, packaging, and finally delivery. Arthur shared insights into their philosophy of blending artisan craftsmanship with modern techniques, ensuring that every cup delights the drinker. This behind-the-scenes experience set the tone for the day and highlighted Schvarz Kaffee’s strong commitment to quality and innovation.

Cupping, also known as the sommelier’s approach to coffee, is the gold standard for evaluating beans. Arthur led us on a journey to discover the methods, tools and techniques involved in this ritual. Yemeni coffee, with its centuries-old legacy, was the star of the day.

We tried 12 different Yemeni coffees from different regions and producers, each made in two cups so that a single defect wouldn’t influence the overall assessment and to make sure we were accurate. Everyone took it in turns to try each coffee without expressing their opinion, so no one influenced what the others thought. Hygiene was an important aspect, with everyone using their two spoons, one for spooning and the other for slurping.

Luthfan prepared the session carefully, roasting the samples to a neutral cupping profile to show their quality. Yemeni coffee is truly unique—its flavors and aromas are unmatched. Yemeni farmers predominantly use the traditional natural process, in which whole coffee cherries are dried in the sun immediately after harvest. This method enhances the beans’ natural sweetness and fruity flavors. This old method keeps the coffee’s true character and complexity, giving it a light, spicy taste with hints of lemon and dried fruit. As Luthfan said during the session, “Yemeni coffee’s flavors are like nothing else in the world—they can’t be copied.”

After a few rounds of cupping, participants picked the top five Yemeni coffees from the cupping session, chosen for being exceptional quality and having very distinctive flavours:

• Sharqi Haraaz Microlot, Jameeyat Salool Single Co-Op, Ja’adi Natural
• Sharqi Haraaz Selected, Ja’adi Natural
• Sharqi Haraaz Classic Traceable, Ja’adi Natural
• Al-Hayma, Mutaher Abdu Ahmed Al-Salami, Udaini Super Natural
• Al-Hayma, Collective Al Mahjar & Bait Hujairah, Udaini Natural

Arthur noted that natural-processed coffees from Yemen stood out for their authenticity and originality. The Haraaz and Al-Hayma regions in particular stood out, each with its own unique profile. Haraaz coffees were lively and complex, while Al-Hayma lots had bold flavours and a well-rounded texture.

While these natural-processed coffees were the stars for their authenticity and originality, it’s worth mentioning that other coffee beans, processed using different methods like anaerobic fermentation, were also top-notch. But these methods can sometimes make the coffee taste more like what you get in other coffee-producing countries, like Ethiopia. While these might be popular with certain groups, they don’t fully capture the essence of Yemeni coffee’s uniqueness.

Participants discussed how to adapt to European coffee culture while keeping Yemeni authenticity. They recommended focusing on natural-processed beans, establishing a quality control system, and considering custom espresso blends to cater to different preferences. However, the consensus was clear: Yemeni coffee is best appreciated as a filter coffee, where its nuanced flavors can truly shine.

The top five coffee beans were brewed using the V60 pour-over method, a technique that’s great at bringing out the subtle flavours of specialty beans. The results showed a range of body and texture, from silky and light to medium-heavy. They all had a spicy undertone, with citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit.

Participants were impressed by the balance of spiciness, sweetness, and acidity in the coffees. The brewed samples were described as sophisticated and deeply satisfying, highlighting their suitability for filter brewing. This session underscored the importance of traditional brewing methods in preserving the unique essence of Yemeni coffee.

Yemeni coffee has a long history, going back to the 15th century when Sufi mystics brewed it to help with meditation. It was in Yemen that the coffee trade got started, with its port city of Mocha giving us the famous “Mocha coffee”. The country’s unique environment, with its high altitudes, terraced farming and heirloom varieties, makes its coffee distinct and deeply rooted in tradition.

At the heart of this coffee culture are the regions of Haraaz and Al-Hayma, each with its own unique environment and contribution to Yemen’s celebrated coffee culture. Haraaz is a mountainous region near Sana’a, known for its rugged terrain, ancient terraces, and rich traditions. Its high altitudes and isolated location have preserved both its unique coffee-growing practices and its culture. The coffee from Haraaz is highly popular due to its pleasant acidity, floral notes, and a range of complex flavors. It’s been made for hundreds of years, and it’s really well-known for being top-notch and sustainable. Al-Hayma is a bit different, though. It’s in the outskirts of Sana’a, and it’s got a really arid, challenging environment. It’s about 2250 metres above sea level, and it’s one of the latest places to harvest coffee in Yemen. This means the cherries can ripen slowly and develop their bold, distinctive flavours. Al-Hayma’s coffees are known for their full-bodied profiles, with a balance of intensity and refinement that reflects the resilience of the region’s farmers.

Our Commitment to Yemeni Coffee

We are dedicated to supporting Yemeni coffee and its rich heritage. By working closely with farmers in Haraaz, Al-Hayma, and other renowned regions, we ensure that every cup of coffee we deliver is of the highest quality, with full transparency and traceability at every step. Our mission is to protect Yemen’s coffee traditions while empowering the communities that depend on it.

• Traceability: We source our coffee directly from farmers and cooperatives, ensuring that every bean carries a story of authenticity and quality.
• Community Support: We believe in fair pricing and actively support farmers to help them produce the best coffee possible.

Our goal is to share the unique flavors of Yemeni coffee with the world, honoring its history while helping farmers thrive and grow for the future.

We ended the day discussing about the possibility in teaming up with Schvarz Kaffee. Using their know-how in coffee, roasting and packaging, we talked about ways to bring the magic of Yemeni coffee to more people in Europe. This potential partnership could help keep and promote Yemeni coffee’s unique qualities while meeting the expectations of coffee lovers in the region.

At Schvarz Kaffee, our journey has been more than just a tasting experience – it’s been a celebration of Yemeni coffee’s unique heritage and potential. From cupping to brewing, every step has highlighted the authenticity, diversity and richness of Yemeni beans. As we carry on exploring and sharing these treasures, our focus will stay on preserving their originality while meeting the changing tastes of coffee lovers worldwide.

Whether you’re a coffee pro or just getting started, Yemeni coffee is an experience like no other. Check out our selection online and join us in celebrating the magic of Yemeni coffee, one cup at a time.

Special thanks to Anas and the entire team at Schvarz Kaffee for their incredible support in organizing this event. If you’re in Düsseldorf, don’t miss visiting Schvarz Kaffee – a must for specialty coffee lovers!

Schvarz Kaffee
Alte Farbwerke
Ronsdorfer Str. 74
40233 Düsseldorf