A Lel Chaung: Your Daily Dose of Hope and Happiness!

Meet A Lel Chaung, a coffee that’s not just a pick-me-up; it’s a little cup of joy and progress straight from the heart of the Danu and Pa-O farmers in Southern Shan State, Myanmar!

This brew comes from the Shwe Taung Thu (which translates to “Golden Farmer” – because who doesn’t want that title?). It’s a team effort involving 180 households in the Ywangan area, all contributing their skills to bring this magical elixir to your cup. These farmers are not just about grinding beans; they’re all about grinding for change! With a commitment to fair trade, community support, and sharing their farming know-how, they’re turning coffee farming into a community party!
Now, let’s talk about how A Lel Chaung is made. Thanks to the glorious, sweat-inducing dry heat of Southern Shan State, these beans undergo a natural processing method that’s as meticulous as a barista crafting latte art. The result? A delightful coffee bursting with vibrant notes of red berries and a sweet kiss of vanilla and caramel.
So, every sip of A Lel Chaung is not just a caffeine fix; it’s a heartfelt shoutout to the dedication, skill, and resilience of the farmers behind it. Cheers to good coffee and even better communities!
 

• Processing method: Natural

• Main flavour notes: red berries, vanilla, caramel

• Varietal: Catuai

• Altitude: 1300 m.a.s.l

• Species: Arabica

• Region: Southern Shan State

• Recommended brewing method: Espresso and Filter 

CUP SCORE: 86.00

Fragrance 7.75 – Flavor 8.0 – Acidity 8.0 – Aftertaste 8.0 – Balance 8.0 – Body 8.0 – Overall 8.25
Cupping Notes: This coffee delivers a bright and lively experience, with redcurrant providing a vibrant, fruity note balanced by the smooth sweetness of vanilla and caramel. The cup is juicy and sweet, with a refreshing brightness that leads into a lingering aftertaste, leaving a lasting impression of sweetness and complexity. Each sip reveals a harmonious balance of fruit and indulgent sweetness, making for a delightful and memorable coffee experience.
Report By Shirani Gunawardena, Indochina Coffee, London/UK
 
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Name: Shwe Taung Thu Farmers Group
Location: Ywangan, Southern Shan State 
The Shwe Taung Thu farmers group, meaning ‘Golden Farmer,’ is a remarkable collective of Danu and Pa-O smallholder farmers dedicated to producing specialty coffee in the Ywangan area of southern Shan State, Myanmar. This group is more than just a community of coffee growers—it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment for its members. Through strong leadership, financial support, technical assistance, and market connections, Shwe Taung Thu is driving positive change, bringing fairer trade conditions and a brighter future for these hardworking farmers.
The A Lel Chaung coffee is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of 180 member households from the village where it’s grown. Each community within the group forms its own working team, meticulously managing the coffee processing to ensure the highest quality. Their dedication to producing dry naturals reflects a deep understanding of their environment—the dry, intense heat during harvest season in southern Shan State creates the perfect conditions for this process. The result is a coffee that not only embodies the unique terroir of the region but also the spirit and resilience of the people who produce i