Yemen Mokha Matari

From Yemen's highest coffee-growing land comes the most complex, most fragrantly powerful origin in the country. Bani Matar's ancient terraces produce flavors that define what Yemen coffee should be.

Origin Yemen Region Bani Matar Elevation 2,000-2,400m Process Natural Variety Heirloom The Source

The highest origin

Bani Matar is Yemen's highest-altitude coffee region. Farms start at 2,000 meters and climb past 2,400 meters—some of the highest coffee-growing land on earth. The region sits southeast of the Arabian Peninsula's tallest mountain. To reach anywhere from Bani Matar, you go downhill. The only way up is hiking to the peninsula's highest peak.

About 100 farmers contributed to this lot, each working roughly 1,000 trees on less than half a hectare. Their farms occupy terraced plots in the region's highest areas, carved into mountainsides centuries ago. Heirloom coffee grows here using methods largely unchanged for 550 years.

The Craft

Where coffee began

Yemen is coffee's birthplace as a commercial crop. In the 15th century, Islamic Sufis first brewed it for late-night prayer. By the 1500s, the Port of Mokha became the sole global supplier—every bean consumed worldwide came through this single Yemeni port for 150 years. The name "mocha" originates from this Red Sea port.

Coffee dries naturally in the cherry on rooftops of stone houses—the same tradition from the 15th century. Altitude creates Matari's distinctive flavor: the most acidic, most complex, most fragrantly powerful of all Yemen origins.

Dark Chocolate Raisin Cardamom Wine Body Full Acidity Mild-Bright The Cup

Fragrantly powerful

Dark chocolate and mocha dominate—rich, bittersweet, coating your palate. Dried fruit notes of raisins and dates bring earthy sweetness. Cardamom spice adds warmth with subtle floral tones. Wine-like acidity cuts through the full body with brightness that's mild yet present. The mouthfeel is heavy and luxurious. This is wild, primal character—rustic flavors that taste ancient, because they are.

Find Your Fix

Chemex delivers clean separation—chocolate and fruit notes distinct but balanced. V60 emphasizes wine-like acidity and floral hints. Beehouse makes the full body shine. Espresso intensifies everything—chocolate becomes fudge-like, spice more pronounced. Cold brew transforms dried fruit into something almost jam-like while softening acidity.

Roasted in small batches at our Virginia Beach roastery, where the Atlantic air reminds us daily of the journeys these beans make to reach your cup.

Virginia Beach, VA