Myanmar Coffee Beans

This rich fruity coffee has been produced by our Partners in Myanmar (Behind the leaf Coffee). They are a group of nine close-knit Pa'O farmers and entrepreneurs who are collectively rejuvenating the coffee in the region.

This black honey processed coffee has been fermented in the pulp of the coffee cherry for several days, this enhances the body and gives a more intense sweetness. This coffee is grown by nine groups of farmers of the Pa'O tribe in Shan state. Behind the Leaf Coffee not only produce exceptional coffees, but establish biodynamic vegetable farming, and animal husbandry to support the farming community around the year.

A rich fruity coffee, produced by nine close-knit Pa'O farmers, in the highlands of Shan state, of Myanmar. This coffee has a cupping score of 85-87 on the SCA cupping scoring scale.

Coffee Facts

Farmers / Producer - 9 Pa'O farmers, Behind the Leaf Coffee

Agro method - Shade-grown, *Korean Natural Farming practices

Region: Shan State

Altitude - 1200m above sea level

Variety - Typica, SL28, Bourbon

Process Type - Black Honey

*This coffee is grown using Korean Natural Farming practices, which harnesses the power of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMOs) to act as natural fertilisation so there is no need to use chemical herbicides or fertilisers.

Flavour notes

This will depend slightly on the method of brewing, so please refer to our flavour map image for our general flavour description.

As a pour-over (using a Kalita Wave dripper or home filter machine) you’ll taste a complex array of nutty, herbal, and spice notes. The most dominant flavours are the nutty notes of walnut and Brazil nut. There are some very pronoused spice notes of black peper and clove, along with a subtle floral flavour that comes through as the coffee cools. Overall there is a high sweetness, low body with really nice nutty complexity.

As an espresso, this coffee will sing! The high sweetness and rich nutty flavours make a very yummy espresso that blends best with cows milk. This coffee also does great with oat milk the nutty sweetness and herbal notes blend really well.

Brew Recommendations

Kalita Wave dripper pour-over method

Espresso - a double shot of 18-19g dry weight to 38-42g wet weight double espresso shot.

Community development

Behind the Leaf coffee started developing low-cost, reproducible technologies in the areas of water, sanitation, agriculture, and building. Their projects include ceramic water filters, interlocking compressed earth blocks, natural farming, Moringa, rabbit breeding, and stink-free pig rearing in addition to coffee!

Social Unrest

Since Feb 2021 Myanmar has been experiencing serious social unrest. In the area where this coffee comes from there has been sporadic fighting between local factions and the county's military. This fighting has left thousands displaced and a very unstable economic environment.

We have been in touch over the last few months with BTL coffee and have been so impressed with how they are selflessly giving so generously to these communities. They have been installing water filter systems at the camps to make sure these internally displaced peoples have clean water for drinking.

Buying their coffee seems far from enough help to give, but engaging with their coffee as a drinker does enable Behind the Leaf to continue to do the incredible work they do not just for the coffee growing community but for the whole Pa'O nationality and neighboring tribes that they help during this very difficult time.