Starbucks Dua Kali: A Bold Reinvention of Sumatra Coffee
A limited Asia Pacific exclusive honoring the passage of time through two rare expressions of a single origin, shaped by nature’s quiet alchemy and the mastery of Starbucks master roasters.
This International Coffee Day, Starbucks invites coffee lovers across Asia Pacific to experience a rare dialogue between past and present — one origin, two expressions, and a journey shaped by time. Introducing Dua Kali, a limited release that reimagines Sumatra coffee through two distinct lenses: the deep, layered richness of Starbucks® Aged Sumatra Dua Kali (2019) and the vibrant, herbaceous brightness of Starbucks® Sumatra Dua Kali (2025). Named after the Indonesian phrase for “twice,” Dua Kali is more than a coffee — it’s a tribute to Sumatra as both birthplace and muse.
A Journey Through Time and Taste
Sumatra has long held a special place in Starbucks coffee heritage. Its bold, earthy flavors and unique wet-hulling process have inspired more than 30 iconic blends since 1971. But with Dua Kali, Starbucks takes that legacy further — exploring how time itself transforms the character of coffee.
Handpicked from the finest arabica beans in 2019, Starbucks® Aged Sumatra Dua Kali (2019) has patiently rested for six years with each bean gently turned every three to four months under carefully controlled humidity and airflow to ensure consistency. This meticulous aging process allows the humid, tropical conditions to work its quiet alchemy, deepening the coffee into layered notes of malted barley sweetness, dried caraway spice, heartwood aromas, and bittersweet chocolate finish. Each lot is a rare time capsule – a unique expression of flavor shaped by time.
By contrast, Starbucks® Sumatra Dua Kali (2025) reflects the vibrancy of a fresh harvest. Bursting with unexpected brightness and livelier flavors of balsam herb and fresh green fig notes, it finishes with a smooth sweetness – a vivid counterpoint to the aged expression.
Reinventing the Roast
Traditionally, Starbucks has roasted Sumatran coffees dark to highlight their intensity. But Dua Kali offered a chance to explore the origin’s full spectrum. Both expressions were crafted as Blonde Roasts, unlocking layers of sweetness, acidity, and complexity that might otherwise remain hidden.
“Dua Kali reflects the harmony of tradition and reinvention,” said Brittany Zeller, coffee development lead, Starbucks Global Coffee and Sustainability. “Aged Sumatra Dua Kali embodies patience and transformation, while the fresh crop reveals unexpected vibrancy. Together, they celebrate the artistry of time and the endless possibilities of Sumatra.”
Honoring a Beloved Origin
Sumatra’s bold identity is rooted in its volcanic soils, humid climate, and centuries-old wet-hulling method. Smallholder farmers handpick ripe arabica cherries and hull them while still moist — a technique that exposes the beans early to the island’s humidity, creating a cup that’s full-bodied and rich with herbal notes.
Starbucks continues to honor this legacy through its Farmer Support Center in North Sumatra, working alongside local farmers to strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods. Dua Kali is a celebration of that enduring relationship — a testament to the craft, climate, and community that make Sumatra truly unforgettable.
Availability
Beginning October 1, 2025, Starbucks® Aged Sumatra Dua Kali (2019) will be available in limited quantities across 10 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. Starbucks® Sumatra Dua Kali (2025) will be available in six markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
