Vietnam Lam Dong–Duc Trong Mill

From Lam Dong province—Vietnam's Arabica epicenter—comes coffee that defies expectations. Women-led production at 1,500 meters, processing Catimor with zero Robusta tones. Chocolate, spice, and citrus from a country rewriting its coffee story.

Origin Vietnam Region Lam Dong Elevation 1,400-1,600m Process Semi-Washed Variety Catimor The Source

Where Vietnam Grows Specialty

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer, but 95% of that volume is Robusta. Lam Dong province is different. With 23,000 hectares devoted to Arabica at 1,400 to 1,600 meters, this is Vietnam's answer to specialty coffee—carved hillsides, suitable climate, and soil conditions that produce Arabica comparable to the world's best.

The Duc Trong wet mill collects cherries from smallholders in Dung K'No commune, a village of about 500 people where coffee supplements other crops. Women are leading Vietnam's specialty push—this coffee was grown by women-owned farms and processed at a women-run mill. The result is one of the first Asian coffees with virtually no Robusta character in the cup.

The Craft

Semi-Washed: Vietnamese Innovation

Semi-washed processing—sometimes called wet-hulled or pulped natural—removes the cherry skin but leaves some mucilage during drying. In Vietnam's hands, this creates body and sweetness while maintaining cleanliness. The method is less common in Vietnam's Arabica regions than in Indonesia, making this lot a bridge between traditions.

The process delivers semi-sweet chocolate and nutty tones with a thick, smooth body. As it cools, soft fruit emerges—evidence that altitude and processing can transform Catimor into something special.

Chocolate Pepper Citrus Amaretto Body Medium-Full Acidity Mild The Cup

Vietnam's Arabica Promise

Chocolate opens the cup—semi-sweet, thick, grounding. Black pepper spice emerges next, adding complexity that surprises. Citrus brightness provides lift in the mid-palate, while amaretto nuttiness appears in the finish, sweet and lingering. The medium-full body creates substance that works beautifully for espresso or drip. This is Vietnam stepping beyond Robusta, proving that terroir and intention can transform perception.

Find Your Fix

The medium-full body and chocolate-forward profile make this excellent as espresso—it delivers thick crema and flavors that stand up to milk beautifully. For drip or Chemex, expect a smooth, approachable cup with enough character to stay interesting. The spice notes make this particularly good for those who add a pinch of cinnamon to their grounds.

Roasted in small batches at our Virginia Beach roastery, where the Atlantic air reminds us daily of the journeys these beans make to reach your cup.

Virginia Beach, VA