Old Government is a historical trade name associated with aged Java coffee. The source connects the style with attempts to reproduce the changes that occurred when green coffee spent long periods in ships traveling to Europe. Its account describes a darker green-bean color, a fuller taste and reduced perceived acidity after deliberate aging or exposure to humid conditions.
The important distinction is between a processed green-coffee style and ordinary roasted coffee that has simply become old. Ask a seller what the name means for the actual product: its origin, treatment, storage history and roast information. A historic name alone does not document the process, establish a fixed aging duration or prove that one contemporary bag matches another.
Treat the style as something to compare rather than an automatic improvement. Brew it alongside a more conventional Java coffee using a consistent method, and record changes in texture, aroma and acidity as the cups cool. If buying it as part of a blend, find out what role it is intended to play. This explores a distinctive coffee tradition without turning an old shipping story into a current availability claim or a guarantee of superior flavor.
The conversation
A good question can make a better brew.