Volcanic Passage: Discover the Bold, Smooth Flavors of Flores, Indonesia [Navigator's Reserve: November 2026]

Navigator’s Reserve™ November 2026 Coffee of the Month. 
Bold Origins. Smooth Sailing.

Ready to chart a course somewhere delicious? This November, Navigator’s Reserve™ is setting sail for the volcanic highlands of Flores, Indonesia, where generations of smallholder coffee farmers cultivate distinctive Arabica coffee amid lush mountain forests, tropical landscapes, and mineral-rich volcanic soils.

Introducing Volcanic Passage - Flores, Indonesia · Bajawa Ngura, our November 2026 limited-edition coffee of the month.

This month's destination brings together rich cocoa character, subtle citrus, earthy undertones, and a wonderfully smooth, full body. It's a medium-dark roast with plenty of personality, a memorable finish, and just the right amount of adventure in every cup.

Whether you're preparing for an early-morning departure, keeping the crew fueled through a long day, or enjoying a quiet moment at anchor, Volcanic Passage offers a delicious reminder that some of the best journeys begin with a great cup of coffee.

So, top off your mug and join us as we explore the coffee-growing highlands of Flores!

Flores, Indonesia: A Destination Worth Discovering

Located within Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, Flores is an island of dramatic contrasts. Volcanic mountains rise above lush forests, tropical landscapes stretch toward the coastline, and generations of farming communities maintain agricultural traditions that connect the island's past with its present.

The name Flores, meaning "flowers" in Portuguese, was given to the island by Portuguese explorers. It's an appropriate name for a destination known for its natural beauty, although we're fairly certain the coffee deserves a little recognition of its own.

Our November coffee comes from the Bajawa region of central Flores, near the impressive Mount Inerie volcano. Here, Arabica coffee grows on small family farms in mineral-rich volcanic soils. Higher elevations, tropical growing conditions, and generations of local coffee-growing knowledge contribute to the distinctive character of coffees from this part of Indonesia.

Coffee isn't simply an agricultural product in this region. It's an important part of the local economy and a tradition shaped by the knowledge and experience of farming families. For coffee enthusiasts, Flores offers an opportunity to explore an Indonesian origin with a personality all its own. And for the crew at Skipper's Remedy®, discovering new coffee destinations is one of our favorite reasons to keep the compass pointed toward adventure.

Meet Volcanic Passage: Bold, Smooth, and Full of Character

Volcanic Passage - Flores, Indonesia · Bajawa Ngura is a single-origin, medium-dark roast designed for coffee drinkers who appreciate richness, depth, and a satisfying, full-bodied cup. The first impression is rich cocoa, followed by subtle citrus that adds a little brightness to the experience. Earthy undertones provide depth, while the smooth, full body brings everything together.

Think comforting chocolate character, a gentle citrus accent, and an earthy finish that makes you want another sip. It's bold without being overwhelming and smooth without sacrificing character.

What to Expect in Your Cup

• Rich Cocoa: A satisfying chocolate-forward character that provides the foundation of the flavor experience.

• Subtle Citrus: A gentle brightness that adds dimension and keeps the cup interesting.

• Earthy Undertones: A distinctive characteristic associated with many Indonesian coffees, contributing depth and complexity.

• Smooth, Full Body: A substantial, rounded mouthfeel that makes this coffee especially enjoyable for everyday brewing.

The result? A bold, approachable coffee with a distinctive Indonesian personality.

If your coffee preferences lean toward rich chocolate notes, a smooth finish, and a little more depth in the cup, Volcanic Passage deserves a place in your galley.

The Art of Wet-Hulled Coffee: A Distinctively Indonesian Tradition

One of the interesting characteristics of our November coffee is its traditional processing method: wet-hulled processing, known locally as giling basah. This method is particularly associated with Indonesian coffee production and contributes to the distinctive character of many coffees from the region. Unlike fully washed or natural processing methods, wet-hulling involves removing the parchment layer while the coffee beans still retain a relatively high moisture content. The beans are subsequently dried further before reaching their final export preparation.

This approach influences the coffee's physical characteristics and contributes to the heavier body, subdued acidity, and earthy flavor characteristics often associated with Indonesian coffees. For Volcanic Passage, wet-hulled processing helps deliver the qualities we love about this origin: a smooth, full-bodied experience with rich cocoa character and a distinctive finish. It's another reminder that great coffee is about more than the roast. Origin, growing conditions, processing, and the knowledge of the people producing it all help shape what eventually finds its way into your mug.

Why We Chose Flores for Navigator's Reserve™

Navigator's Reserve™ is our monthly invitation to explore the world one coffee origin at a time. Each limited-edition release introduces a new destination, a distinctive coffee-growing story, and an opportunity to experience something different. From the people and places behind the beans to the characteristics in the finished cup, we believe every coffee has a story worth discovering.

This month, that story takes us to Flores. Volcanic Passage stands out because it offers a different experience from the Central and South American coffees many drinkers know and enjoy. Its rich cocoa notes, earthy undertones, subtle citrus, and full body provide a distinctive expression of Indonesian coffee.

And let's face it: there's something appealing about enjoying a coffee whose origin story involves volcanic highlands, tropical forests, and a destination halfway around the world. That's quite a journey for something that fits in your coffee mug.

How to Enjoy Volcanic Passage

A versatile coffee deserves a place in more than one brewing routine. Volcanic Passage's medium-dark roast and full body make it a wonderful candidate for several brewing methods.

French Press: A great choice for highlighting the coffee's smooth, full body and rich cocoa character. Use a coarse grind and allow the coffee to steep before pressing.

Drip Coffee Maker: An easy everyday option for enjoying the balance of cocoa, subtle citrus, and earthy undertones. Perfect for your morning watch or the office coffee station.

Pour-Over: A wonderful way to explore the coffee's flavor characteristics, particularly its subtle citrus notes. Experiment with your grind size and pouring technique to find your preferred balance.

Espresso: For those who enjoy a more concentrated coffee experience, Volcanic Passage is worth exploring as an espresso. Its cocoa-forward character and full body offer an appealing starting point for espresso-based drinks.

However you brew it, we recommend starting with fresh, filtered water and adjusting your coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste. And if you're brewing aboard? Secure your equipment, mind the galley, and keep your favorite mug somewhere it won't go overboard. The ocean has enough coffee-free space already.

Bold Origins. Smooth Sailing.

From the volcanic highlands of Flores comes a distinctive single-origin coffee with rich cocoa notes, subtle citrus, earthy undertones, and a smooth, full body.

Traditionally wet-hulled and rooted in the coffee-growing heritage of the Bajawa region, this month's Navigator's Reserve invites you to explore an Indonesian origin with depth, character, and a memorable finish.

Your next destination awaits.

Chart Your Course with Skipper's Remedy® Navigator's Reserve™

Every month brings a new destination. Every origin tells a different story. And every bag is another opportunity to discover something worth sharing with your crew. Volcanic Passage - Flores, Indonesia · Bajawa Ngura is our November 2026 limited-edition coffee of the month. Don't miss your opportunity to experience this distinctive Indonesian single-origin roast while it's part of the Navigator's Reserve collection.

Whether you're sailing offshore, enjoying a weekend at the marina, or simply dreaming about your next passage from the comfort of home, bring a little Flores-inspired adventure to your coffee routine.

Explore Volcanic Passage - November's Coffee of the Month

At Skipper's Remedy®, we believe the best journeys begin with curiosity, a sense of adventure, and fresh roasted coffee. Because life is too short for boring coffee, unfavorable attitudes, and empty mugs.

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