Cycle 68 Operations: Hain

Suite: Bukidnon Coffee (cycles 65–70) Role this cycle: LEAD Focus: The full botanical and terroir profile of Mt. Kitanglad Arabica (Typica lineage) compared structurally with Kahawa Sūg Robusta — altitude ecology, flavor chemistry, species biology, and asymmetric climate-change vulnerability.

Key Findings This Cycle

• ANCHORED: Bukidnon Arabica (Coffea arabica, Typica lineage) and Sulu Robusta (Coffea canephora) are structural botanical opposites: altitude-dependent vs. lowland-adapted, flavor-complex vs. bold-and-earthy, climate-vulnerable vs. climate-resilient.
• ANCHORED: The 1889 epidemic differentiated the two poles. Sulu’s Robusta survived by canephora species resistance. Bukidnon Arabica survived by geographic isolation from the lowland plantation network that carried the disease. Two different survival mechanisms; the same outcome.
• ANCHORED: Bunn et al. (2015) project ~44% reduction in suitable Southeast Asian Arabica cultivation area under a +2°C warming scenario. Bukidnon’s lower-altitude farms (600–900m) are already at the warm edge of the Arabica thermal window. Sulu’s Robusta, adapted to 24–32°C, faces comparatively low climate pressure.
• PLAUSIBLE: Specialty cupping records from Lantapan farms (Yardstick Coffee, 2022) describe bright malic acidity, stone fruit (peach, apricot), and floral notes — consistent with high-altitude Typica in volcanic soil. Categorized SENSORY/PLAUSIBLE pending laboratory data.
• QUARANTINED: Specific flavor chemistry measurements (pH, acid concentrations in mg/g) without cited laboratory analysis. Cupping descriptions are sensory, not analytical.

Disposition Status

All findings reviewed and carried forward to the suite synthesis at Cycle 70.