Description
Our first Vietnamese coffee! A beautiful small holder production coffee, large beans, Arabica strains, fresh as can be! One of our first Asian coffees that virtually has no trace of Robusta tones in the cup. We knew they had some tasty Arabica production just took us a bit to find it.
Did you know Vietnam usually takes the spot of the second largest coffee producer in the world? Behind Brazil a bit, but for its size, lots of coffee. An Arabica offering like this though is rare, mostly they grow Robusta.
The average farmer in this the Dung K’No region of Vietnam cultivates on about 1.2 hectares of land. They grow a mix of Catimor with some heirloom Arabica varieties, though the country is more famous for its Robusta production. Coffee is delivered in its cherry form and is processed at a central washing station named Bao Loc located in Dung K’No. Ripe cherries are harvested, de-pulped, and dried partially in their mucilage, then washed clean and dried on raised beds and/or patios for 3–5 days.
Once the coffees are done, the tasting experts screen and sort the beans into regular lots and premium lots to sell them accordingly. This is a premium top lot, large beaned; very tasty & clean cup.
Tasting Notes: Medium to dark roast beans & a great daily drinker! This cup is very thick and creamy, filled with semi-sweet chocolate and nutty tones. A very easy to drink coffee. A hint of soft fruit can be seen at the light to medium roasts but pretty faint, not super noticeable until the cup cools. A bit of peppery spice at the darker roasts with some complimenting roasty and smoky tones. Lighter roasts will show some lemony acidity and can accentuate the fruitiness of the cup but often will come off a bit too dry. These beans are more about the creamy fuller bodied and smooth chocolate and nutty tones which will come out from medium roasts and beyond.
Roasting Notes: A beautiful large bean screen, nice color and low defect rate. Roasts slightly two toned and will be a little higher chaff then average for a washed processed coffee. Our favorite was a nice medium roast but darker roasts fans will definitely love it as well with its full body and creamy features. 48 hour setup recommended or risk of a little sour note upfront.
MAMurphy (verified owner) –
75 out of 100 (3.8 stars?) I give this crop extra 1/2 star for good processing, but nothing else is outstanding. Shy of full city, it is a good cup. Just average and not a standout compared to other Burman offerings. At least I can check “Vietnam” off my coffee map. (◕‿↼)
The Coffee Snob –
I’m firmiliar used seeing robusta beans coming out of Vietnam typically.
I tend to use them in blends but a Vietnamese Arabica variant is rare sight & had to pick up a pound.
Im going to give this solid 4 stars. I have roasted to a French & to a Medium & liked what they both brought to the table.
In a French Roast expect an abundant chocolaty cream with a bit of a spark “slight peppery note perhaps”
Medium roast are more nutty, earthy & with less chocolate / cream.
I have not roasted light as of yet but will definitely provide feedback when I do.
And yes I’m picking up another pound or two.
Cheers!