Product Info

• Roast Level - City ++
• Process Type - Washed
• Other - SHG (Strictly High Grown)
• Varietal - Arabica - Catimor
• Region - Da Lat, Cau Dat

Vietnam is the world's 2nd largest coffee producer, but over 95% of the beans that come out of the country are of the Robusta family.  They're higher in caffeine and more bitter than their sweeter Arabica cousins, less susceptible to disease and pests, and grow at lower elevations that make them more accessible to more of the country.  Among specialty roasters, they're primarily used as filler for espresso blends (not mine) or for making freeze-dried coffees. (That's changing, too...better Robustas are coming to the market every year.)

These beans, however, are a gorgeous Arabica coffee, Strictly High Grown (1400-1600m).  They mature more slowly, which allows for the development of sugars and delicate floral or fruity (peaches?) tasting notes that are defining characteristics of a good Arabica bean.  This coffee, at this roast level, brings out gorgeous milk chocolate and nutty notes.  It's mild and easy drinking.  Reminds me of old-school chocolate milk, but in the best possible nostalgic-positive way possible. 

I ADORE this coffee.   It's my best seller for good reason!