As Saudi Arabia cultivates its coffee legacy from the mountains of Jazan to the world stage, Watad Mountain by JAZEAN offers a rare chance to taste the Kingdom’s terroir – one cup at a time. It is a specialty coffee that embodies not only rich flavour, but also the growing ambition to make Saudi-grown coffee beans a global contender.
Backed by the Saudi Coffee Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity established to promote Saudi coffee internationally, JAZEAN sources its beans from the verdant south of the Kingdom. These regions lie within the world’s coffee belt and are home to some of the country’s oldest coffee traditions. With Watad Mountain, JAZEAN departs from blends and offers something rare – a 100% Saudi coffee made exclusively from Khawalni beans grown at elevations of 1500 to 1600 meters above sea level in the Jazan region.
This is a medium roast, naturally processed coffee that, according to JAZEAN, performs well as both an espresso and a filter brew. The bag lists tasting notes of chocolate, caramelized nuts, and grape – familiar descriptors in specialty coffee, and a hint at what to expect without claiming to contain those ingredients.
A Fruit-Forward Profile, Grounded in Balance
I tested the beans over several sessions, primarily in milk-based espresso drinks, including flat whites. From the first sip, the profile was fruit-forward but grounded; a subtle grape-like brightness layered gently over richer chocolate and nut undertones. Unlike many fruity coffees that lean too acidic or sour, Watad Mountain maintains an even, balanced flavour. It is a great option for those looking to branch into more expressive coffees without venturing too far from familiar, comforting profiles.
Enjoyed without milk, the espresso brings out more of the fruity character, yet it remains restrained, not overpowering. The light acidity from the grape note is pleasant and soft, never sharp. Whether with milk or on its own, it makes for a versatile daily coffee with a rounded flavour.
Aroma, Texture, and Freshness
The aroma of the freshly ground beans is particularly striking. Sweet, rich, and unmistakably fresh, the scent fills the air with fruity overtones that closely mirror the final cup. You can practically taste the smell before brewing, which is a treat in itself.
In the cup, the texture is full-bodied and smooth; not watery, not overly syrupy. It feels well extracted and substantial. The aftertaste is soft, slightly sweet, and refreshingly free of bitterness or lingering acidity.
It is worth noting that this is a naturally processed coffee, meaning the beans are dried with the cherry still attached. This method typically allows more of the fruit’s sugars to seep into the bean, often leading to bolder, more fruit-forward flavours, which is clearly present in Watad Mountain’s profile.
The bag I received was roasted six weeks prior. This is still within a reasonable freshness window, although some coffee enthusiasts might prefer something roasted within four weeks. In practice, though, this is a minor difference that will not have a noticeable impact.
Price, Purpose, and Perspective
At SAR 107 (USD 28), Watad Mountain is undeniably a premium offering, especially when compared to JAZEAN’s blended options, which can cost up to 50 percent less. But that price reflects more than just flavour: it reflects traceability, high-altitude Saudi terroir, and a growing national effort to reposition Saudi coffee as a specialty product on the global stage.
For coffee drinkers interested in exploring the region’s potential, or those who want to support local coffee farmers and production, Watad Mountain is a worthy purchase. It is also a great entry point into Saudi Arabia’s emerging coffee identity, a cup that tells a story.
While JAZEAN notes that the beans are better suited to filter brewing, my experience with espresso-based drinks was consistently positive. I have not yet tried it as a filter coffee, but based on the flavour profile, it likely offers even greater clarity and expression in that format.
Final Verdict
Watad Mountain is not for the budget-conscious drinker, but it is certainly one for those seeking a well-balanced, distinctly Saudi specialty coffee experience. It captures the rich promise of Saudi Arabia’s coffee sector while delivering a cup that is refined, expressive, and pleasantly unique.
Comments (0)