Makira (San Cristóbal) Island

The Whisper from the Rainforest: Exploring Makira Island Coffee

Tucked away in the verdant, mountainous heart of Makira (San Cristóbal), the easternmost major island of the Solomon Islands, lies a coffee origin of profound subtlety and untamed character. Makira coffee is not a shout, but a whisper—a complex, earthy narrative of rainforest terroir, traditional methods, and a flavor profile as lush and mysterious as the island's legendary biodiversity.

Rooted in the Highlands

Coffee cultivation on Makira is the domain of village smallholders. Gardens are carved into steep, fertile slopes beneath a dense canopy of rainforest trees. This shade-grown, de facto organic method is not a marketing choice but a way of life. The ecosystem protects the coffee, enriches the soil, and produces beans that mature slowly, developing a deep, concentrated flavor intrinsic to this unique environment.

Process: The "Kabin" Signature

What truly defines Makira coffee is its predominant processing method: Kabin. A local term derived from "cabinet," it refers to a traditional form of natural or dry processing. After harvesting, ripe cherry is often dried in the sun on raised beds or tarpaulins, sometimes covered and stored to ferment slightly before final drying. This method, influenced by the island's high humidity, imparts a distinct fruit-forward, winey, and earthy sweetness to the beans, setting it apart from the cleaner, washed coffees more common in other Solomon Islands.

A Flavor Profile of the Untamed

Expect a cup that mirrors its origins:

Body & Sweetness: Typically medium to full-bodied with a rounded, syrupy mouthfeel. The Kabin process brings forward notes of dark berries, raisin, and fermented fruit.

Earth & Spice: A distinctive, pleasant earthiness runs through it—think raw cocoa, damp forest floor, or cedar—often accompanied by hints of warm spice.

Acidity: Gentle and integrated, more tartaric (like wine) than bright citrus, allowing the deep sweetness and complex bass notes to shine.