Vietnam: Robusta Honey, Central Highlands

Vietnam is a country of smallholder farms, averaging 1-3 hectares, and farmers do not process their own coffee here but instead sell red cherry to wet mills, which process the coffee for export. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of Robusta, which is generally not considered specialty coffee. However, in recent years, there has been a push to experiment with higher-quality Robusta harvests, creating better coffees that can stand on their own in the specialty sphere. This lot is the result of one of those experiments, and we are exceedingly happy with the outcome. This honey-processed Robusta comes from a select cluster of smallholder farms in the Lam Dong province in the central highlands of Vietnam. The coffee is cultivated between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level in a microclimate with rich volcanic soil and harvested using only red ripe cherries. After harvesting, the cherries are floated to remove defects and then pulped, leaving as much mucilage content sticking to the parchment as possible. The coffee is then dried on raised beds in a greenhouse, providing good airflow to promote even drying.

Origin Story: The Central Highlands of Vietnam, with its rich volcanic soil and favorable climate, provides an ideal environment for cultivating robusta coffee. The innovative honey processing technique used by local farmers enhances the natural sweetness and complexity of the beans, resulting in a unique and flavorful coffee.

Cupping Notes:

• Light Roast: Experience a bright and lively cup with fruit-forward acidity, featuring notes of dark chocolate and caramel, complemented by a clean but distinctive Robusta characteristic.
• Medium Roast: Enjoy a balanced cup with enhanced caramel sweetness and a smooth body, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Dark Roast: Revel in the deep and bold flavors with a rich body, where the chocolate and caramel notes are pronounced, offering a robust and satisfying finish.

Why Choose This Coffee:

• High Caffeine Content: Ideal for those seeking an extra caffeine kick.
• Unique Flavor: A robust profile with fruit, chocolate, and caramel notes, perfect for various roast levels.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for espresso or as a bold base for various brewing methods.

Category: Conventional
Country: Vietnam
Local Region: Southern Central Highlands
Process: Honey
Variety: Robusta
Altitude (meters): 900 - 1,200 masl
Rainforest Alliance: Yes