Golden Mandheling is one of the representatives of Indonesian specialty coffee, but Mandheling products labeled "Golden" keep emerging on the market, while very few truly meet the standard. This article will start from the background of PWN company, clarify the correct definition and certification standards of Golden Mandheling, explain its core requirements such as G1 grade, 18 mesh or above specification, and three times of hand sorting, and at the same time share the flavor differences between Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling and Lintong Mandheling in cupping, helping coffee lovers accurately identify authenticity and make suitable choices according to personal taste preferences.

Many coffee lovers first come into contact with coffee beans from Asian producing regions through Mandheling. Even if they have never tasted it themselves, most have probably heard of the famous Golden Mandheling from fellow enthusiasts around them. However, the name Golden Mandheling on the current market has been seriously abused. Many merchants label all the Indonesian coffee beans they have as Mandheling, and even add the word "Golden." Therefore, it is necessary to clarify: authentic Golden Mandheling comes only from P.W.N, namely Pawani Company.

PWN is the abbreviation of Pwani Coffee Company. This enterprise is quite prestigious locally in Indonesia and specializes in the purchasing of Mandheling coffee beans. Almost all the highest-quality producing regions in Indonesia have been included in PWN's purchasing scope, so most Indonesian Mandheling that flows out through this company possesses unique specialty attributes. After purchasing green beans, PWN also conducts multiple rounds of manual hand sorting. Only the plump and defect-free beans selected from them are qualified to be classified as Golden Mandheling.

Afterward, PWN Company officially registered "Golden Mandheling" as a trademark. Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling thus became the only product that can be called truly "Golden Mandheling." Front Street needs to point out that at present, the vast majority of Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling on the market comes from the Aceh producing region of Sumatra Island.

As a registered trademark of Indonesia's PWN Pwani Company, Golden Mandheling requires the company to carry out at least three rounds of purely manual sorting after harvesting and drying are completed, ensuring that the coffee bean specification reaches 18 mesh or above. Only when the number of defective beans is fewer than 3 (based on a 300g green bean sample), the highest grade G1 standard is reached, and the color is dark greenish with a neat flat bean shape, can it be named "Front Street Golden Mandheling."

As Front Street Golden Mandheling grows increasingly famous, a large number of beans not from PWN Company but under the banner of Golden Mandheling have appeared on the market. Front Street has noticed that many merchants selling Golden Mandheling coffee beans, in order to raise prices, select green beans of 18 mesh or above from Mandheling that is also G1 grade, and then subject them to three rounds of manual hand sorting, trying to make the appearance as close as possible to Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling.

The most direct way to distinguish authenticity is to verify the relevant certificates. Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling has a certificate issued by PWN as the basis for certification. This certificate, as well as the gunny sacks of Golden Mandheling green coffee beans printed with the PWN logo, can all be seen with one's own eyes at Front Street stores.

Through Front Street's cupping comparison, it can be found that the coffee flavor of PWN Front Street Golden Mandheling is cleaner, and the sweet aftertaste is more prominent, though it is slightly weaker in body. If you prefer a choice with a stronger taste and fuller body, you can try Front Street Lintong Mandheling; if you like a cleaner mouthfeel and want to clearly perceive flavors such as herbs, hazelnut, caramel, and dark chocolate, then Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling is recommended.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.