VIETNAM - KA DON ROBUSTA

Espresso Roast

This coffee is part of  the “Roads Less Travelled” Series, our curated collection of rare coffees from the emerging growing regions of Southeast Asia. These stories are yet untold.

This series is about pioneering your own path. It’s about forging ahead into the unknown. And that’s what this coffee is. An uncharted experience. Let’s go!

___________________________

A BIT ABOUT THIS COFFEE

For the first time ever, we’re proud to introduce a single-origin Robusta from Ka Don Village, Vietnam, produced by our long-time partners and friends, Mr Uck and Mr Kiyo.

Robusta is a different species from Arabica—naturally bold, intense, and with double the caffeine. While much of the world’s Robusta has traditionally been used in commercial blends and instant coffee, Vietnam is redefining what’s possible. A new generation of producers is unlocking the true potential of this keystone crop.

This coffee reflects years of collaboration with Robusta farmers in the highlands of Lam Dong Province, offering a completely different flavour experience. As we continue to explore the full spectrum of coffee, this release represents both a first for us and a celebration of Asia’s dynamic and exciting specialty future.

___________________________

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

Robusta is known for its big body and intensity, and this coffee fully embraces that character—while offering wonderful nuance. We chose a medium roast to balance its inherent power with natural sweetness, allowing its more refined flavour notes to shine.

Expect a bold, coating mouthfeel with flavours of Molasses, some raisin and berry-like fruitiness, combined with a rum-like warmth and a looong finish. As an espresso, it’s syrupy, rich, and balanced surprising sweetness yet intense in a way that can be genuinely exhilarating. It also pairs beautifully with milk, cutting through with confidence while transforming into a completely different flavour experience.

With naturally high caffeine, this Robusta delivers a serious lift.

Enjoy mindfully—or, if you love bold coffees that make their presence known, this one won’t disappoint.

___________________________

HOW TO BREW

For espresso we recommend starting with a 1:2 brew ratio.

For example - 20g dose, 40g yield in 24-26 seconds.

If you're new to Robusta, split that shot into two drinks until you're familiar with it's caffeine level.

___________________________

THE STORY

From the heart of the world’s Robusta production comes this remarkable coffee. Grown in the Central Highlands of Vietnam — the largest producer of Robusta globally — this region forms the backbone of the species worldwide. Within Vietnam, the Central Highlands are its most important Robusta-growing area, shaped by generations of farming knowledge and deep familiarity with the crop. This coffee is the result of that context, shaped by producers who apply specialty processing techniques and sustainable, integrated farming practices, and who are actively exploring what Robusta can be when it’s given the same attention as any great coffee.

This Robusta coffee comes from farms owned by the Bondong family, whose work represents a bright and hopeful future for coffee in Ka Don Village. Deeply connected to their land and community, they are respected leaders within the K’ho community, showing up not only as farmers, but as mentors and advocates for quality and progress.

What inspires us most is their constant curiosity. From farming to processing, the Bondong family is always looking for ways to improve—pushing Robusta beyond expectations and proving what’s possible when skill and intention are applied at every step.

Several years ago, Mr Uck Bondong was introduced to Mr Kiyotaka (Kiyo), a long-time partner of ours working in the nearby Langbiang community, where he focuses on producing high-quality Arabica and supporting farmers in specialty coffee as a pathway to a stronger future. This partnership felt like a natural and trusted entry point for us into the world of Robusta, built on shared values and mutual respect.

The Bondong family grows several Robusta varieties; this lot is TR4, cultivated at 1200 metres in elevation—remarkably high for Robusta—adding complexity and nuance to the cup. The farm is tucked into a mountain valley, surrounded by lush natural beauty, and farmed in a way that sits harmoniously within its environment.

This is our first Robusta release, but it certainly won’t be our last. We’re excited to continue sharing more from Vietnam, and to showcase just how expressive and compelling this species can be.