LOCAL STORIES

IWCA Vietnam: Hi Ms Oanh, could you introduce yourself and your role at Lacàph?  

Ms. Oanh: Hello IWCA Vietnam, I’m Oanh, currently overseeing production and supply chain management at Lacàph while also being involved in communications and brand building. My work isn’t just about managing production at the roastery and ensuring an efficient supply chain but also about collaborating closely with the marketing team to develop the brand and bring Vietnam’s coffee story closer to both local and international customers.  

IWCA Vietnam: What led you to work in the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: I was born and raised in Lâm Đồng, a region deeply connected with coffee, but I actually didn’t start my career in this industry. My journey into coffee began when I met Timen, the founder of Lacàph. Over time, I naturally became more engaged in this field and felt a growing desire to contribute to the development of Vietnamese coffee.

IWCA Vietnam: Could you share a memorable experience or story from your time at Lacàph?  

Ms. Oanh: Working at Lacàph has given me the opportunity to receive in-depth training and expand my knowledge about coffee – from distinguishing different coffee varieties to understanding the nuances of flavor profiles. More importantly, I’ve come to realize why, despite being one of the world’s largest coffee producers, Vietnam’s coffee exports don’t hold high value. This shift in perspective has changed not only how I see coffee but also how I think about building sustainable value for the industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: As a woman in the coffee industry, what do you see as the opportunities and challenges for women in this field?  

Ms. Oanh: The coffee industry has traditionally been linked to agriculture and production, areas once considered male-dominated. However, more and more women are now taking part in every aspect of the industry, from farming and processing to business and brand development.  

The biggest opportunity is that women bring fresh perspectives, meticulousness, and creativity in how they approach products and markets. Women also excel at connecting, storytelling, and brand building – all of which are crucial in today’s coffee industry.  

That said, challenges remain, especially in technical roles or supply chain operations. But I believe that with knowledge and proactiveness, women can absolutely affirm their role and make significant contributions to the coffee industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: In your opinion, how is IWCA Vietnam supporting the development of women in the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: IWCA Vietnam is creating an essential platform to connect, support, and enhance the role of women in coffee. The organization not only offers training programs and skill-building initiatives but also promotes workplace safety and provides women with greater access to the coffee value chain, from production and processing to business.

Most importantly, IWCA builds a community where women in the industry can share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the sustainability and diversity of Vietnam’s coffee sector.  

IWCA Vietnam: Can you share a story or memory with IWCA Vietnam?  

Ms. Oanh: My trip to Sơn La in October 2024 was an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the Arabica coffee farms firsthand and meeting local farmers gave me a deeper understanding of the region’s coffee journey.  

What left the biggest impression on me was the story of the Thai ethnic women working in coffee. In the past, they mainly followed traditional farming methods, but over time, they have shifted their mindset, learned about economic management, saved money, and reinvested to improve product quality. Seeing their confidence and initiative in managing their work and lives made me realize that coffee isn’t just an economic commodity—it’s a tool for change, opening new opportunities for women in highland regions.  

This trip not only deepened my understanding of coffee origins but also strongly reinforced my belief in the power of women in the coffee industry.  

IWCA Vietnam: Looking ahead, what potential collaborations do you see between IWCA Vietnam and Lacàph to further develop the coffee industry?  

Ms. Oanh: Lacàph is proud to be a member of IWCA Vietnam, and I believe we can work together on many meaningful initiatives in the future. One promising direction is supporting women-led coffee-growing communities by helping them develop their products, connect with markets, and increase the economic value of coffee produced by women.  

IWCA Vietnam: Thank you, Oanh, for sharing your insights on women and the coffee industry.  

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Lacàph is proud to be a member of IWCA Vietnam, working together to empower women in Vietnam’s coffee industry.

We're excited to present Lũy Blend, Lacàph’s first premium coffee product, representing the true potential of Vietnamese coffee flavor. As a brand dedicated to guiding curious minds on a journey to explore the unique flavors of Vietnamese coffee and its rich cultural heritage, we take immense pride in this latest creation.

Vietnamese Spirit in Every Bean

Lũy Blend is more than just a coffee; it’s a symphony of Vietnamese spirit in every bean. Inspired by the essence of bamboo, which symbolizes unity, support, and willpower deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, this blend captures the very essence of our nation in every sip. From the verses of folk songs to the indomitable spirit of our people, Lũy Blend is a celebration of the vibrant Vietnamese personality.

From Bamboo Concept to Lũy Blend by Lacàph

In creating Luỹ Blend, we roasted two coffee varieties sourced from three different farms across the country. By creatively combining Robusta Sẻ with Catimor, we have crafted a unique flavor profile that promises to delight the senses. The roast profile of Lũy has been thoughtfully designed, offering versatility in preparation, whether you prefer pour-over, espresso, or the traditional Phin method.

Above all, Lũy is a tribute to the pioneering farmers who have dedicated their efforts to producing high-quality coffee. We are honored to collaborate with Anh Marian, Chị Ngọc, and the Ara-Tay cooperative, whose unwavering dedication has played a significant role in elevating Vietnam's coffee industry.

With Lũy Blend, we invite coffee lovers and enthusiasts to explore the cultural values and pure beauty woven into this specialty blend. Discover the remarkable stories of our unsung coffee farmers, the heroes who have contributed to shaping Việt Nam’s coffee legacy.

The Start of a New Age

Lũy Blend is a vibrant addition to the historical tapestry of Vietnamese coffee, signifying an exciting milestone in our journey. As passionate storytellers of Vietnamese coffee and culture, Lacàph is dedicated to showcasing the bright potential and diverse flavors that this land has to offer.

We invite you to join us in experiencing the essence of Lũy, exclusively available at our locations at 220 Nguyễn Công Trứ and 151 Đồng Khởi, Hồ Chí Minh City. Unleash your taste buds and immerse yourself in the true essence of Vietnamese coffee culture with Lũy Blend!

Để lan tỏa cà phê Việt Nam, những lớp học Coffee Experiences là cách Lacàph chia sẻ tâm huyết của mình đối với một sứ mệnh tràn đầy niềm tự hào dân tộc.

Các lớp Experiences tại Lacàph là các buổi học trải nghiệm pha cà phê kết hợp chia sẻ và khám phá. Buổi học lồng ghép các chi tiết văn hóa với hoạt động đa chiều: tay làm, mũi ngửi, miệng nếm, mắt thấy, tai nghe; tất cả tạo nên một trải nghiệm phong phú, bồi đắp thêm chia sẻ từ chính những người góp tay vào hình thành từng tầng thưởng thức của hương vị cà phê trong tách.

Những ưu đIểm duy nhất chỉ có tại các lớp experiences của Lacàph

Các workshop Experiences của Lacàph là một trong số ít những dịch vụ tại Sài Gòn cung cấp một trải nghiệm đi sâu về cà phê và tinh thần Việt Nam xoay quanh nó. Không chỉ thế, tại Lacàph, trải nghiệm của người tham gia luôn là ưu tiên qua những chăm chút về:

• Concept không gian trang nhã, hài hòa giữa chất thơ và mộc;
• Cơ sở vật chất chỉn chu, đầy đủ;
• Chương trình kết hợp nội dung trực quan và trải nghiệm tương tác;
• Hướng dẫn nhiệt tình của các Coffee Guide đã trải qua quá trình đào tạo bài bản;
• Hệ thống đặt lịch thuận tiện trực tiếp và trực tuyến.

Các lớp Experiences của diễn ra theo lịch tuần tự: lớp Văn Hóa Cà Phê Việt Nam (VCC) vào các buổi sáng từ thứ ba đến thứ bảy, và lớp Cà Phê Trứng (VEC) vào các buổi chiều xuyên suốt tuần.

Các lớp experience hiện tại ở Lacàph

1. Vietnamese egg coffee experiences (lớp cà phê trứng)

Trong buổi học này, người tham gia sẽ được thử công thức cà phê trứng của Lacàph. Cà phê pha từ chiếc Phin được Lacàph dành nhiều tâm sức thiết kế để phủ lên nét tân thời cho một khẩu vị truyền thống đặc sắc, kèm theo đó là lớp kem trứng đánh bông mềm mịn mà bạn sẽ tự tay làm. Buổi học kéo dài 90 phút với phần giới thiệu, phần thực hành, và cuối cùng kết thúc với phần chia sẻ về hành trình của hạt cà phê từ chính những người nông dân.

2. Vietnamese coffee & culture experiences (lớp về cà phê và văn hóa cà phê Việt Nam)

Nếu tìm kiếm một buổi trải nghiệm tổng quát hơn, bạn có thể thử sức với lớp Văn Hóa Cà Phê Việt Nam (VCC). Lớp học kéo dài khoảng 120 phút với đa dạng hoạt động thú vị:

• Mục trò chơi: thử thách các giác quan của mình để tìm hiểu diễn biến trong quá trình thưởng thức cà phê
• Mục pha chế: thưởng thức hương vị các loại blend của Lacàph qua các công cụ khác nhau bằng chính tay mình pha, dùng kèm với các món bánh kẹo địa phương.
• Mục tham quan quá trình rang cà phê: quan sát chuyển biến của cà phê từ hạt nhân xanh sang hạt rang để hiểu hơn về thay đổi tạo ra hương vị phức hợp của cà phê.

Xen kẽ trải nghiệm bạn sẽ được ngao du đến những triền núi cà phê miên man, đến những quán xá cà phê phố thị vẫn lưu đọng mặc cho dòng chảy thời gian qua từng thước phim ngắn của Lacàph.

Và những lớp học sắp tới

Trên hành trình thực hiện sứ mệnh của mình, những buổi workshop là cách Lacàph kết nối người uống cà phê với người làm cà phê: khơi gợi những trí tò mò trên một chuyến du hành vô hạn xoay quanh cà phê, để từ đó qua mỗi ngụm thưởng thức là một hành trình mới.

Không chỉ dừng tại đó, các lớp Experiences của Lacàph sẽ còn khai thác nhiều hơn nhiều chủ đề thú vị khác xoay quanh con người và màu sắc của cà phê Việt Nam: đó có thể là chuyến tham quan những phong cách cà phê muôn hình vạn trạng chỉ có tại Sài Gòn, cũng có thể là trải nghiệm thưởng thức món ăn văn hóa trong dạng hình nước uống.

Vậy thì, bạn còn chần chừ điều gì?

Khám phá và đăng ký trực tiếp các lớp Experiences tại đây bạn nhé https://experiences.lacaph.com/

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Indulge in the flavors of Vietnam’s iconic Egg Coffee, a delightful culinary creation that enchants the senses and embodies the nation’s rich coffee culture.

EGG COFFEE: A DISTINCTIVE VIETNAMESE DELIGHT

The moment your lips touch this extraordinary brew, a world of flavors unfolds. A velvety layer of soft and creamy egg cream, kissed with hints of vanilla and a touch of salt, welcomes you. In a single sip, you’ll be captivated by the sweet fragrance, subtly tinged with a hint of sourness, courtesy of Arabica coffee flower honey. It embraces the elegant bitterness of coffee, reminiscent of savoring a delectable, aromatic flan cake.

The allure of Egg Coffee is such that it can captivate the palates of anyone who ventures into Vietnam. But what is the story behind this delectable drink, and what significance does it hold in a country renowned for its unique coffee culture?

A CULTURAL TREASURE BORN OF HISTORY

Vietnamese Egg Coffee traces its origins back to the era of French colonial rule, a period characterised by a fusion of cultures and the introduction of new trends. Among these trends was the appreciation of machine-brewed coffee. During this time, Vietnamese coffee enthusiasts began to acquaint themselves with coffee types like Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte. However, milk cream was a rare luxury, reserved solely for the upper echelons of society.

In 1946, an enterprising young man, a barista at Hanoi's Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, pondered a way to replicate the richness of Cappuccino, which combines coffee with hot whipped milk. His ingenious solution involved using egg cream instead. This visionary was none other than Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giảng, the proprietor of Giảng Coffee, a cherished destination for those visiting Hanoi. Even today, Mr. Giang remains celebrated for his pivotal role in enriching Vietnamese coffee culture.

THE LACÀPH EGG COFFEE EXPERIENCE

A quintessential cup of Egg Coffee comprises Phin Coffee, egg yolks, a sweetener, a pinch of salt, and optional ingredients like butter or cheese.

Lacàph, the renowned coffee shop, consistently organizes workshops to enable those uninitiated in this delightful brew to experience its rich flavors and learn the art of crafting the perfect cup of Egg Coffee. Notably, Lacàph’s rendition of Egg Coffee deviates slightly from the traditional approach, as they employ honey in place of sugar or condensed milk. This honey, derived from Arabica coffee flowers, imparts subtle notes of white flowers and a gentle citrusy tang, imparting a unique character to Lacàph’s signature Egg Coffee.

In some variations, additional ingredients like alcohol or spices such as cinnamon and anise are employed to soften the egg’s robust aroma. Lacàph opts for vanilla flavor to delicately diminish the egg’s pungency while enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.

The lush aroma emanating from the fluffy egg cream layer harmoniously melds with the sweetness and hint of sourness from honey and coffee. Lacàph’s coffee blend combines 85% Robusta and 15% Arabica, blended to perfection. To enjoy this exceptional creation, savor the egg cream layer first, then gently stir it into the coffee, relishing it as a delectable dessert.

EGG COFFEE’S CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Egg Coffee has etched its place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, even as machine-brewed coffee gains popularity. Initially cherished for its accessibility to the working class, courtesy of Mr. Giang’s pioneering efforts, Egg Coffee’s enduring appeal is also attributed to its rich, sweet flavor—a testament to Vietnam’s remarkable cross-cultural development.

Originally a northern gem, Egg Coffee has now permeated southern regions, making it readily accessible to a new generation of coffee enthusiasts. Moreover, it has inspired delightful variations, such as Iced Egg Coffee and innovative combinations with other flavors.

Seven decades have elapsed since its inception, yet Vietnamese affection for this unique elixir remains unwavering. It continues to captivate the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. If you haven’t had the pleasure of indulging in this captivating concoction, it’s an experience well worth pursuing. Join us in savoring this exceptional drink and share your journey with Lacàph!

Experience in making this famous Vietnamese egg coffee with Lacàph here!

“Rising up, back on the street

Did my time, took my chances,

Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet

Just a man and his will to survive”

Survivor - “Eye of the Tiger”

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As 2022 approaches in leaps and bounds, it is represented on the Chinese Horoscope by a majestic beast, the Tiger. Brave and confident, the Tiger charms all who cross his path, which is why we have selected “Eye Of The Tiger” as the theme for our Tet Gift Box release.

The Lacàph 2022 Tet Gift Box - Eye Of The Tiger” celebrates optimistic enthusiasm, affection and encouragement as we leave behind 2021. It carries a message of resilience and determination for all who receive it and contains a selection of our finest hand-picked products from our partner farms:

1. Lacàph Filter Blend Mini (100g)
2. Lacàph Espresso Blend Mini (100g)
3. Lacàph Phin Blend Mini (100g)
4. Lacàph Cascara Tea Mini (100g)
5. Lacàph Phin Brewer
6. Lacàph Coffee Blossom Honey (100ml)
7. Lacàph Filter Blend Drip Bag (5 bags)
8. Red envelopes (5 bags)
9. Postcards for personalized messages

Our “Eye Of The Tiger” gift boxes can be personalized according to your individual requirements and we are happy to advise on the choice or number of gifts in each box. We are also happy to provide each item individually if you would like to include them in your own Tet gift basket.

Further information about each product and our wholesale policy can be found on our website or in the attached file. Lacàph Tết 2022 Offering.pdf

Last word, we understand that sending Tet gifts to each other on New Year's Eve has become a Vietnamese tradition. With Lacàph Tet Gift Box 2020, Lacàph hopes this is a practical gift with many spiritual meanings. Wishing our partners and customers a very resilient, patient, persistent and skillful New Year of the Tiger.

Bích works with local farmers to improve the quality and raise the value of their beans. We use Arabica Catimor beans from her in our Lacàph Filter Blend & Cold Brew.

Bích runs her family’s coffee trading company in Lâm Đồng Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, and provides a valuable link between local coffee farmers and the traders who want to buy their beans. In an industry still dominated by men, Bích has worked hard to prove herself.

Many believe that the mass migration programs of the late 1970s to regions such as Lâm Đồng provided a cornerstone for the development of Vietnam’s fledgeling coffee industry. Her family moved to Lâm Đồng in the late-1970s, relocating from the North as part of the government’s migration policy after the country’s reunification. Many believe that the mass migration programs of the late 1970s to regions such as Lâm Đồng provided a cornerstone for the development of Vietnam’s fledgeling coffee industry.

Bích realized from a young age that one way or another, coffee was going to be her future.

Although the people who farmed and traded coffee were mainly men, Bích saw that women were involved too, especially during harvest time when the hills came alive with the sound of people chatting as they picked the ripe red coffee cherries. But she also noticed that women often worked as hard as their husbands on the farm, particularly when it came to processing the newly harvested beans.

Growing up, Bích had watched the role her mother played in building the family company, especially when it came to tough negotiations over the price of beans. As a young woman, she went to work for a local coffee trading company that sourced, bought, processed and exported Arabica and Robusta beans for domestic and international partners. She visited coffee farms all over Lâm Đồng, Đắk Lắk, Kon Tum and Đăk Nông, learning about each link of the coffee value chain.

Bích learned to focus on the quality of the beans, rather than the quantity being grown, and witnessed the move towards sustainability and farming environmentally. She was part of Vietnam’s first attempts to produce coffee that ranked on the Specialty Coffee Association’s scale, and worked with the farmers who sent their beans to be graded successfully.

As Bích’s parents grew older she left the company she was working for to take over the family business. Under her guidance and leadership, the company has gone from strength to strength to become one of the leading coffee traders in the region. She now employs a staff of fifteen, many of whom are women, and spends her days supervising her team, visiting farmers, negotiating deals and balancing the books.

Over the decades Bích has seen the highs and lows of Vietnam’s coffee sector as the country has become a global coffee powerhouse. She believes wholeheartedly in the tremendous potential of Vietnamese coffee, especially as farmers continue to improve the quality of their beans, and supports them in producing the best they can.

Bích is encouraged that the quality of Vietnam’s beans is increasing, and that farmers are realizing that as their beans improve, so too does the price they can sell them for.

Ngọc’s family has been farming coffee for over 80 years. We use his Arabica Bourbon & Cascara in our Lacàph Espresso Blend and Cold Steeped Cascara.

You could say that coffee runs through Ngọc’s veins, fuelling the passion that drives him to grow the best coffee he can. He was born into a coffee farming family, grew up among the coffee trees of his family’s plantation, and now grows some of the best coffee in Việt Nam with beans that rank on the Specialty Coffee Association scale.

His farm is just outside Đà Lạt City in the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng. The plantation was established in 1927 by a French family who were early settlers in the region, and Ngọc’s grandparents were among the first laborers to work the farm. It’s been in the family for three generations now, handed down from father to son for almost 100 years as they worked the land together.

The first coffee trees on the farm were Arabica Bourbon and Typica, planted and harvested by his grandparents in the late-1920s and early-1930s using methods the French introduced. The trees flourished, his grandparents were fairly paid, and in the late-1930s they bought the plantation from the owners and started farming it for themselves.

Ngọc’s farm sits around 1,500 meters above sea level and is covered in the region’s fertile volcanic soil. Known locally as bazan, the red earth is rich in minerals and provides a balance of nutrients that is perfect for growing premium grade coffee. When Ngọc inherited the farm from his father, he changed its name and established it as the specialty coffee plantation it is today.

Just as his grandparents did, he continues to grow Arabica Bourbon and Typica but in recent years has added Catimor and Catuai varieties that produce a high yield. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases such as coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease.

As harvest time comes towards the end of the year, Ngọc’s farm turns into a hive of activity with temporary workers arriving to help harvest the ripe cherries. For many who come to collect the bright red fruit this is a highlight of the year, an opportunity to catch up with friends and earn some extra money for Tết.

The workers hand-pick the ripe cherries, ensuring only the best quality beans are selected from each tree and leaving the rest to be harvested in the coming days. As they make their way up and down the rows of trees they chatter and laugh amongst themselves, but the work is strenuous and when it’s time for lunch they’re quick to put down their baskets and make their way down the slopes.

Once the beans have been harvested, Ngọc lays them out to process, using wet, honey or natural methods depending on the requirements of his customers. As his beans are premium quality, many of his customers choose wet processing. This method highlights the beans’ unique characteristics, spotlights their distinct flavours, and is why many specialty coffees are wet-processed.

Ngọc also produces Cascara on his farm, made from the dried pulp of coffee cherries once the beans have been removed. Drunk as a tea, Cascara is rich in antioxidants and known for its benefits to the digestive system when brewed as a tea.

Join us to learn about our heroes, our mission, vision, and our ongoing journey to share Vietnamese coffee and culture with curious people everywhere.

Timen Swijtink had been in Việt Nam for over a decade when he met Korean newcomer, Scott Sehoon Bahng. One came from a background in consumer brand development, the other a seasoned coffee professional. Together, they hatched a plan for sharing Vietnamese coffee and culture with curious people everywhere, and the vision of Lacàph was born.

The pair set off to explore Việt Nam, visiting plantations across four provinces in search of the perfect beans. They met farmers, drank coffee, listened to stories and eventually found what they were looking for. With beans in hand, the two headed back to Sài Gòn and Scott started roasting.

These first roasts would become Lacàph's Signature Blends, for phin, filter and espresso, and in early 2020 they were ready to launch their company. It’s not been smooth sailing, but Lacàph has gone from strength to strength and is now a premium Vietnamese coffee brand. With their vision always in mind, Timen and Scott continue to share Vietnamese coffee and culture with curious people everywhere.

Phú made changes to the way he farms his Robusta, and now his beans are among the best in Việt Nam. We use them in our Lacàph Espresso & Phin blends. Thanks to the courage of his convictions, Phú now grows some of the best Robusta in the whole of Việt Nam. It wasn’t all smooth sailing but with hard work and commitment, he eventually achieved his dreams.

Phú’s story begins as a young child in the mid-1990s when his father decided to move the family to the Central Highlands region of Đăk Nông Province. At the time, the government’s Đổi Mới reforms were supporting coffee farmers, and encouraged by the rising price of coffee beans they left the family home in the North and moved to start a new life as part of the country’s emerging coffee industry.

Whilst growing up on his family’s coffee plantation Phú dreamed of making an impact on the lives of others and set his heart on becoming a teacher. But while his family prospered, the income from the coffee they grew was not enough to pay for his studies, so eventually, he joined his father working on the family farm. Little did he know that in the years that followed his dream would come true, but in a very different way than he imagined as a child.

Phú was a handsome and hardworking young man, and attracted the attention of a local lady. When they married in 2010 his father gave him a coffee garden as a wedding gift. Phú knew from experience that life as a coffee farmer wasn’t easy, but he was determined to provide a secure and stable future for his young family which wasn’t dependent on the fluctuating prices of coffee beans.

There wasn’t space on his farm to plant more coffee trees, and he couldn’t afford to buy another plantation, so he began looking for ways to increase the value of the beans he was already growing.

Phú knew Việt Nam was among the world’s largest exporters of Robusta, but he also realized that these beans were considered an inferior-grade commodity product, used only for instant coffee, and tending to fetch a low price. Changing his trees to Arabica that sold for higher prices wasn't possible, so he decided his best option was to improve the quality of his Robusta.

The first change Phú made to his farm was planting shadow trees which provided shade for his coffee shrubs. The new trees also helped to stabilize water levels on the farm, and improved the quality of his farm’s soil. This was a great help as it meant he didn’t need to spend so much on fertilizers. He also decided to reduce the number of chemical fertilizers he used on his farm, and switched to eco-friendly alternatives that he was able to by cheaply and locally.

After a while, Phú noticed there were many more birds, bees and bats visiting his plantation which helped with the pollination of his coffee plants. He took advantage of this, and started to intercrop by planting durian, pomelo and cashew among his coffee shrubs. With a greater variety of crops, he was able to increase his income when coffee yields were poor or the market price was low.

At first, other local farmers were puzzled and unsupportive of the changes Phú was making. They had been farming coffee the same way for generations and didn’t see a reason to change. But when traders bought their green beans, some years the prices were high, others they were low, and the farmers were never able to plan ahead or increase their production.

When Phú’s first batch of new beans sold for much more than theirs, they began to pay attention to what he was doing, and soon the quality of their beans started to increase too.

In the years since Phú was given his farm, he has worked hard to improve the quality of his coffee, researching best practices, and applying what he has learned. But more than that, he has shared his ideas with neighboring farmers, helping them to improve the quality of their beans too. As incomes have increased, this has helped develop the infrastructure of his local community and open up opportunities for many.

Not only has he achieved his childhood dream of changing the lives of others, but he has also helped change the perceptions of Vietnamese Robusta that is now valued for its distinct characteristics and rich flavors.

Our groundbreaking Lacàph Lab Series is back as we continue our journey of discovery and exploration with Vietnamese coffee beans, launching a second limited edition release coffee like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.

Once again, we have collaborated with our friends at Heart of Darkness brewery, this time fermenting a premium Robusta Sẻ with their Tiramisu Stout beer. Honey fermentation in beer helps reveal complex flavor layers not normally found in Robusta beans, so expect something special.

We’re delighted with the way it’s turned out. The result is a coffee with a soothing sour taste, sweetened with hints of dark chocolate and Vietnamese cacao nibs, and delicate aromas of wine and almond extract.

Much of the magic behind this exceptional coffee is down to the hard work and talent of Anh Phú, owner of the farm where we source our Robusta and a close partner and friend since the early days of Lacàph. Although this was the first time that Anh Phú has fermented coffee with a craft beer, he threw himself into the task with the same zest and enthusiasm he does for everything. And you can taste it in his coffee.

For each 50kg bag of coffee prepared for us, Anh Phú poured in a can of Tiramisu Stout, then filled the container with water before sealing it tightly and leaving it to ferment for 48 hours. Once this stage of the fermentation process was done, the coffee was peeled and the husks spread out to dry in the sun until they reached a moisture level of between 12 to 13%.

The drying process is divided into two steps. After the first 48 hours, Anh Phú spread the coffee out in a thin layer for it to finish the fermentation process. Once this was done, he brought the coffee together to dry for a further twelve days before ‘resting’ it in a warehouse for four months.

By May 2022, the beans had reached their peak flavors and, after hand-screening them to remove defects and leave only the highest quality, the beans were shipped to the Lacàph Roastery in Sài Gòn for us to start the roasting process.

But our Lab Series 2 is not just about producing an exceptional coffee. We wanted to go a step further, and share our passion for Vietnamese culture. With this goal to achieve, we collaborated with Vietnamese artist, Khim Đặng, and commissioned a unique work of art that perfectly captures how we feel.

Việt Nam, his country of birth, is an endless source of inspiration for Khim, and he incorporates intricate details of the scenes around him into every picture he creates. Each piece he produces is done to touch his audience emotionally.

“We have our own language, our own unique culture. We do everything with pride of Vietnamese blood." Khim explained as he shared more about the inspirations behind his work. This is one of the reasons we partnered with him to celebrate our passion for Vietnamese coffee culture with his artwork ‘Dòng,’ which Khim has created especially for our Lacàph Lab Series 2.

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The title Khim chose for the work captures the spirit and ethos of the culture we want to honor. ‘Dòng’ represents the cyclic nature and flowing repetition of life, and the artwork that Khim has created for us traces the flow of our coffee beans as it progresses from bean to cup.

The image portrays each step of their journey, from cultivation to processing and roasting, until they finally become the drink we enjoy as such an indispensable, valued part of our everyday life. Our Lab Series 2 breathes freshness and innovation into a mesmerising flow that has been long established through years of coffee production in Việt Nam.

In addition to being featured on the label of our Lab Series 2 coffee bags, elements of Khim’s design appear on the accompanying merchandise, including prints, t-shirts, postcards, tumblers, bandanas, and other fun products.

Click here to explore and purchase our Limited Edition collection.