This isn't your grandfather's Robusta. From the highlands of Lâm Dông Province, Greater Goods Roasting brings us a coffee that challenges everything you thought you knew about Vietnam's most-planted variety. Through an intensive Black Honey process—nine days of in-cherry fermentation followed by raised-bed drying—smallholder farmers have coaxed extraordinary complexity from TR4 and TR9 Robusta varietals grown between 800 and 850 meters above sea level.
Vietnam's coffee story is one of evolution. French missionaries brought Arabica in 1858, but it was Robusta, introduced in 1908, that would define the nation's coffee identity. Today, Vietnam ranks second globally in coffee production, with 95% of its 30 million bags coming from Robusta. Yet this coffee proves that volume and quality need not be mutually exclusive.
Tasting Notes
Expect a revelatory cup: bright white grape acidity opens into rich baker's chocolate, finishing with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. The body is full and syrupy without being heavy, while the acidity—surprising in Robusta—brings lift and brightness. The finish lingers with cocoa and subtle fruit tones, a testament to the meticulous fermentation process. This is Robusta reimagined: complex, approachable, and utterly delicious.
Brew Methods
This coffee shines as espresso, where its full body and natural chocolate notes create a luxurious crema and stand up beautifully to milk. Try it in a Vietnamese-style phin filter for a traditional experience, or brew it in a French press to highlight its syrupy texture. Pour-over methods reveal the white grape brightness, though we recommend slightly cooler water (195-200°F) to prevent over-extraction.
About Greater Goods Roasting
Greater Goods Roasting seeks out coffees that tell stories and challenge assumptions, making specialty coffee accessible without sacrificing quality or ethics.
Not sure which grinder settings will bring out those vanilla notes? Clive's team can dial you in and recommend the perfect equipment pairing for your brewing style.