FLAVOUR PROFILE
Fuji Apple, Grape, Cocoa
REGION
Chiang Rai, Thailand
PARTNERSHIP
Since 2020
ELEVATION
1400m
PROCESS
White Honey
VARIETY
Yellow Catuai, Chiang Mai 80, Typica
THAILAND - HUAI MAE LIAM
FILTER ROAST
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A BIT ABOUT THIS COFFEE
This White Honey microlot comes from Chiang Rai’s picturesque ‘Pink Valley,’ named for its vibrant cherry and stone fruit blossoms.
Grown by the Merlaeku family—members of the Akha minority and long-time coffee farmers—and processed by eldest brother Asor, this remote corner of Northern Thailand has been producing specialty coffee since 2014.
Old Quarter has proudly featured their exceptional microlots since 2020.
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WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
This coffee showcases a pleasant impression of crisp apples and fresh green grapes, balanced by a smooth, sugary sweetness and a lingering cocoa finish.
It delivers a clean, bright profile—similar to a washed process—while preserving the smooth, rounded sweetness that defines a honey process.
It is a beautifully approachable cup from Thailand, perfect for those exploring nuanced yet accessible flavours.
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HOW TO BREW
We love it as: Pour Over and filter methods (Black).
Also good as: Plunger, Aeropress, or Batch Brew (61g/Litre). Enjoy!
V60 brew guide:
Dose: 20g
Yield: 300g
Time: 2:45 mins
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THE STORY
In the remote, mountainous reaches of Chiang Rai, the Merlaeku family cultivates a diverse range of coffee varieties, including Typica, Bourbon, Yellow Caturra, Catuai, Chiang Mai 80, and SJ133.
The soil here is deep, rich, and fertile, while shade is provided by a mix of fruit and forest trees—most notably the vibrant pink cherry and stone fruit blossoms that light up the valley during harvest.
Asor’s expertise shines in this lot. The cherries were pulped and only partially fermented, allowing them to be removed from the fermentation tanks before the process was complete.
This leaves a thin layer of fruit mucilage on the parchment during drying. The result is a cup that combines the clean brightness of a washed coffee with the smooth sweetness of a honey process.
The Merlaeku family has worked alongside local legends ‘Beanspire’ for nearly a decade, producing consistently high-quality lots—including some of Thailand’s first specialty coffees.
We’re proud to be the only Australian company importing their exceptional coffees.
A unique aspect of Thailand’s coffee industry is its strong internal market. Unlike many producing countries, Thailand boasts a vibrant specialty scene located just hours from the farms.
This proximity fosters deep collaboration between growers, roasters, and baristas, driving continuous innovation and quality improvement.
Thai coffee remains a rarity on the global stage, with less than 5% of the annual crop exported.
Since 2020, we’ve proudly showcased select Thai microlots in Australia, offering a rare taste of one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic coffee origins.
