Thailand: Hua Chang

Hua Chang, meaning "Elephant Head," is the highest section in the Doi Chang area of Chiang Rai, Thailand's largest coffee-producing region. This area boasts a unique microclimate, where coffee is grown under the forest's shade, benefiting from the fertile, nutrient-rich volcanic black soil. At an elevation of 1,450 meters, Nawin cultivates coffee, making it one of Thailand's highest coffee farms.

Due to the slow ripening unique to Hua Chang, the coffee cherries were harvested late in the season. After the cherries were delivered to the mill at night, Nawin placed them in sealed tanks for five days, allowing for in-bean fermentation in an oxygen-free environment. This process enhances the complexity of the coffee. After five days, the tanks were opened, and the cherries were dried on raised beds. The drying house was designed for optimal ventilation, allowing for slow and even drying. Once dried, the cherries were delivered to the Beanspire mill for hulling and sorting in preparation for export.

Coffee farming in Thailand is a relatively new industry, attracting young entrepreneurs like Nawin. The country's coffee history began in the 1970s with an opium eradication project initiated by the King of Thailand, introducing the first coffee trees to regions like Doi Saket. Successful efforts to reforest degraded land and replace illicit crops with coffee and other cultivations have led to thriving mountain farms. Many original varieties, such as Catuai, Typica, and the local Chiang Mai (a cross between SL-28, Caturra, and Timor hybrid), are flourishing.

Nawin's farm is among the highest in Thailand. At 19 degrees north of the equator, this elevation is particularly significant. For comparison, coffee-growing regions like Nariño, Colombia (1 degree north), and Tarrazú, Costa Rica (9 degrees north) can sustain coffee cultivation at elevations exceeding 1,600 metres above sea level. However, in Thailand, coffee does not yield well beyond 1,550 m.a.s.l. due to the latitude.

Beanspire mill, one of Thailand's most advanced, features a destoner, huller, and gravity table for density sorting. Jane and Fuadi have established Beanspire to ensure quality from the start, with multiple density and hand sorting processes for uniformity. Coffee is shipped in triple-layer bags: a cotton outer layer, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) middle layer, and GrainPro inner layer. The HDPE bags help maintain moisture content, preserving quality for longer. We are proud to partner with Beanspire Coffee to bring you this exceptional lot of coffee.

A coffee with a kick! The first thing you're going to taste is red cherry candy alongside the super funky anaerobic natural processing. Mid-sip is all about golden raisins and then on the finish you'll get a spicy hit of anise and mace.

• Country: Thailand
• Province: Chiang Mai
• Region: Hua Chang
• Elevation: 1,450 m.a.s.l.
• Latitude: 19º north of the equator
• Varietal: Catuai, Typica, Chiang Mai
  
• Processing method: Anaerobic Natural
• Producers: Nawin Yaesorkoo and Beanspire Coffee
• Mill: Beanspire

Tasting notes: Red cherry candy, anise, golden raisins.

Cup of Excellence Cupping Scores

• Clean Cup: (1-8): 6
  
• Sweetness: (1-8): 6.5
  
• Acidity: (1-8): 6
  
• Mouthfeel: (1-8): 6.5
  
• Flavour: (1-8): 7
  
• Aftertaste: (1-8): 6.5
  
• Balance: (1-8): 6
  
• Overall: (1-8): 6.5
  
• Correction: (+36): +36
• Total (max 100): 87

Roasting Information
Medium-dark: This should be a nice steady roast - not too slow or too fast. Take the coffee through first crack and you're looking for up to the first pops of second as the roast finishes, no more.