8. Khar Taw Natural - Myanmar
A coffee that reflects the skill and commitment of one of Myanmar's most innovative coffee producers. Cultivated at an altitude of 1,300 meters in the picturesque Pyin Oo Lwin region, this coffee stands as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of U Sai Wan and his dedicated team, who have invested years honing their craft at one of the country's largest Arabica plantations.
This exceptional offering highlights the distinct terroir of Myanmar, a nation that is gradually making its mark on the global coffee stage. The natural processing method accentuates the lively notes of grapefruit, balanced by the rich sweetness of caramel and honey. Each sip reveals the careful attention given to every phase of production.
Located along the scenic route between Pyin Oo Lwin and Mogok, near the Mandalay Division and Northern Shan State border, Green Land Estate symbolizes both innovation and tradition within Myanmar's growing coffee industry. Led by U Sai Wan, this family-owned estate has roots that trace back to his childhood visits to family farms in Northern Shan during trips from Yangon. Those formative experiences have evolved into a deep-seated passion, now manifesting in one of the largest Arabica plantations in the nation, covering an impressive 450 acres.
Under U Sai Wan's guidance, Green Land Estate has established itself as a key player in Myanmar’s coffee landscape, consistently earning accolades in the country’s esteemed quality competitions. His influence extends beyond the estate; he is also the Sales Director of Mandalay Coffee Group and plays a crucial role in the Myanmar Coffee Association, advocating for the growth and international recognition of Myanmar coffee.
The estate itself serves as a center for agricultural innovation and expertise. In collaboration with his uncle, aunt, two local agronomists, and a dedicated team of local workers, U Sai Wan cultivates a wide range of coffee varieties. The majority of the plantation is dedicated to Costa Rica—a robust Catimor variety—while SL34 constitutes about 10% of the harvest. A true innovator, U Sai Wan is also exploring exciting new varietals such as Yellow Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, and the esteemed Geisha, continually pushing the limits of what Myanmar coffee can accomplish.
Green Land Estate is not merely a coffee farm; it embodies U Sai Wan’s vision and dedication to excellence. His efforts are forging a path for Myanmar’s coffee industry, merging tradition with innovation, and showcasing the rich flavours of this region on the global stage.
The harsh reality is that the majority of wealth generated by the coffee industry often eludes the indigenous communities that cultivate it. Responsibly traded specialty coffee has the potential to rectify this, genuinely enhancing the lives of coffee farmers and their families. Green Land Estates are dedicated to collaborating with like-minded partners who share this vision for a more equitable future.
Since its inception, they have prioritised building long-term, mutually respectful, and beneficial relationships, working with the same producer and export partners since their first coffees arrived in the UK in 2017. They continue to maintain personal connections with every origin partner, regularly visiting coffee farms and processing facilities during the harvest season to fully understand and appreciate the context in which they operate.