Northern Thai Coffee: The Beauty of Tribes and Terroirs
The coffee of Northern Thailand (Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai) is a story of transformation from opium cultivation to sustainable, specialty Arabica, driven by the Royal Project starting in the 1970s.
Chiang Rai (The Highland Specialist)
- Altitude: Higher (1,200–1,600+ m) in areas like Doi Chang and Doi Tung.
- Climate: Cooler, misty, mineral-rich soil.
- Flavor Profile: Sparkling acidity, clean, and complex. Notes often include almond, chocolate sweetness, and bright fruitiness. The terroir promotes sugar and acid concentration.
Chiang Mai (The Shade-Grown Heart)
- Altitude: Mid-to-High (1,100–1,500 m) in areas like Doi Saket.
- Cultivation: Strong emphasis on shade-grown under lush forest canopy.
- Flavor Profile: Full-bodied, buttery mouthfeel, and earthy sweetness. Notes often include vanilla, chocolate,and subtle floral hints from surrounding wild flora.
