Embarking on a journey to unlock Thailand's untapped coffee potential, Fuadi Pitsuwan and Jane Kittarattapanaiboon, our esteemed partners at Beanspire, ventured across the country in search of the perfect collaborators. Their quest extended beyond altitude, growth potential, and acidity; they sought ambitious farmers eager to collaborate and experiment as process designers. This exploration led them to the Mearleku brothers, a cohesive group hailing from the hill tribe community.

In the tranquil Huai Mae Liam village near Doi Pangkhon, Fuadi and Jane found a kindred spirit in Asor Merlaeku, a youthful and dynamic 28-year-old. According to Fuadi, Asor is among the most sophisticated and innovative farmers with whom they collaborate. Asor's coffee, emerging from this partnership, showcases remarkable complexities in flavor. Notably, this marks the first year that coffee from Huai Mae has been independently exported—an accomplishment that fills us with joy!

Historically, Huai Mae Liam's coffee, though rich in quality, had been sent to larger villages like Doi Chang and Doi Pangkhon. Here, it would be marketed under the well-known names of those renowned villages. It is imperative that we acknowledge the dedication of coffee farmers from Huai Mae Liam by affording them the identity they rightfully deserve. Asor Merlaeku, at the age of 39, stands as one of the most sophisticated farmers encountered in this pursuit.

This coffee from Huai Mae Liam undergoes a unique process—it is partially fermented. Deliberately removed from the fermentation tank before completion, this method leaves some mucilage on the parchment. The result is a brightness akin to washed coffee, yet it retains the smoothness and sweetness characteristic of honey-processed beans.

Huai Mae Liam, a village with a rich coffee-producing history, sees its coffee making its debut in international export this year. No longer overshadowed by larger villages, its unique identity is finally celebrated. This narrative is not just about a new origin; it's about recognizing the craftsmanship and dedication of farmers like Asor Merlaeku and the vibrant community of Huai Mae Liam on the global stage. Fuadi Pitsuwan and Jane Kittarattapanaiboon, through their work with Beanspire, have played a pivotal role in showcasing Thai coffee's undeniable place in the global specialty scene over the years. 

Enjoy!

— Rosso Coffee Roasters