What is Ninety Plus? An Introduction to Ninety Plus Processing Methods and Which Coffee Brand is Best

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Ninety Plus: A Unique American Coffee Company

Ninety Plus is a distinctive American coffee company founded by Joseph Brodsky. Since 2004, it has been searching for wild Gesha (Geisha) varieties in Ethiopia, during which it discovered wild varieties in the Beloya and Aricha regions, establishing Ninety Plus's position in green coffee beans.

Ninety Plus's approach involves using precise and effective evaluation methods to find valuable coffee varieties, significantly improving post-harvest processing to ensure coffee cherries produce high-quality green beans. Initially, they collaborated with local Ethiopian estates, participating in every stage from planting, sampling, harvesting, processing, cupping, to classification, providing unique flavor descriptions for different coffee varieties and processing methods.

In fact, the concept of green coffee bean production is a historical product that extends from different environmental conditions in various regions. Here we don't particularly focus on processing methods—even bean varieties, cultivation methods, storage methods, etc., can be discussed. In summary, these are the core concepts that influence the formation of coffee flavor.

For example, regarding processing methods: African regions primarily used sun-drying in the early days because of abundant sunlight and limited water resources, naturally forming the sun-drying processing method.

For example, regarding quality: Golden Mandheling is characterized by three rounds of manual defect sorting and large, uniform bean size.

For example, regarding varieties: Geisha itself presents intense floral aromas, ultra-delicate texture, and distinctive characteristics.

However, all these concepts about green coffee beans are not determined by a single factor. They are often highlighted and even given special names based on the most influential reasons, as any good coffee bean requires meticulous care as a basic condition, but consumers still need more reasons why the flavor is special.

In the process of handling green coffee beans, Ninety Plus has also added many innovative concepts, allowing coffee beans to be influenced by stronger variables, forming their own unique characteristics. This aspect is also difficult for general green coffee merchants to intervene in.

Currently, they mainly focus on upgrading processing methods, which can be divided into three types: Red, Ruby, and SK processing methods.

In 2014, they launched the Maker Master Series, processing green beans according to coffee masters' interpretations and requirements for coffee flavor, with very impressive results.

The following is brief information provided by Ninety Plus. Of course, the mysteries within may not be fully understood, but it's enough to imagine that 90+ has invested significant effort in pursuing special techniques for green bean characteristics.

Red Processing

Ninety Plus team's special processing method using their patented drying technology. The cherries with parchment will show different degrees of red color, from light red to ruby red. This processing method enhances coffee aroma, making fruit flavors and sweetness more prominent.

Ruby Processing

This is the ultimate expression of the Red processing method, bringing out the fruit aroma and sweetness of coffee cherries to their fullest potential. During processing, slight carelessness can lead to over-fermentation, so it requires extensive manual care and selection of fruits. Only fruits that reach ruby standards can be called Ruby coffee beans. Therefore, after repeated selection and elimination, the quantity is extremely rare.

Ninety Plus Solkiln™ Special Processing

In 2013, Ninety Plus pioneered the Solkiln™ special processing method, using wood drying chambers to dry coffee beans. After wood is cut, it is usually placed in wood drying chambers where temperature, humidity, and air circulation are controlled and adjusted to reduce the moisture content of green wood to 10-12%. Joseph Brodsky applied this same concept to create the new Solkiln™ (SK) special processing method, officially launching two top-tier green bean products in 2013: Lotus Solkiln H2 and Silvia Solkiln N2.

Maker Series

Ninety Plus allows international coffee industry experts, roasters, and competitors to create their own customized green beans at Ninety Plus, officially launching the Maker Series in 2014. Unlike the centralized processing methods of estates and processing plants, this approach allows individuals to select the ripeness of coffee cherries and process small batches of coffee fruits according to their own ideas.

NPGE (Ninety Plus Geisha Estate), covering 300 acres minus the original forest area, is divided into 36 zones from E1 to E36, each with different microclimates and terroir environments. Ninety Plus processes coffee beans harvested from each area separately, showcasing the exclusive personality and flavor of that specific region.

FrontStreet Coffee's Experience with Ninety Plus

FrontStreet Coffee's "Zhú Máng" (Candlelight) from Ninety Plus company is chosen with medium-light roast to preserve this bean's floral and fruit aromas. Brewed with 89°C water, the rich and complex floral aroma is unforgettable, with distinct nectarine and tropical fruit flavors that are astonishing upon entry, with a clean and bright mouthfeel.

FrontStreet Coffee's Brewing Recommendations:

V60/90°C/1:15 ratio/2 minutes brewing time

Flavor Profile:

Floral aroma, nectarine, tropical fruits

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473