Overview

The **China Mystic Yunan Specialty Coffee** is a testament to the emerging excellence of Chinese specialty coffee, specifically sourced from the high-altitude, mountainous region of Yunnan Province—historically famous for Pu-erh tea. Benefiting from a unique terroir that mimics classic Central American growing conditions, this coffee offers a surprisingly clean and complex profile. It is often meticulously processed (Washed or Honey) to bring out its distinctive character. The resulting cup is deep, well-rounded, and highly accessible, featuring rich notes of **black tea**, **walnut**, **dark chocolate**, and a pleasant, low acidity. With an exceptionally heavy body, this coffee is highly versatile and performs beautifully as a clean filter brew or a rich, structured espresso.

Origin & Terroir

Yunnan Province, located in Southern China, shares climatic and topographical characteristics with Southeast Asia. Coffee cultivation here takes place at high altitudes (often 1,200m to 1,600m), benefiting from the cool, misty climate and nutrient-rich red soil. The primary variety grown is high-quality Arabica (often Catimor), which has been refined through modern agricultural practices to maximize cup quality and disease resistance.

The "Mystic" designation often refers to microlots that demonstrate an exemplary traditional process—usually a **clean, fully washed** method for clarity, or a **meticulously controlled honey** process for sweetness and body. In the washed process, beans are pulped, fermented for 12-18 hours, and washed clean before being dried on raised beds or patios. This commitment to traditional, high-quality processing is what separates the Mystic Yunan microlots from standard commercial Chinese coffee.

The unique terroir imparts a subtle, familiar note of **black tea** into the coffee's foundation, a characteristic link to Yunnan’s ancient tea culture. This tea note complements the coffee's chocolate and nutty components beautifully, making it an ideal choice for a comforting, yet complex, daily brew.

Taste Profile & Body

The cup profile of **China Mystic Yunan** is defined by balance and depth. Primary notes include high-quality **dark chocolate** and a rich **walnut** or **pecan** nuttiness. The signature **black tea** note, often resembling a high-grade Pu-erh or Yunnan Black Tea, provides a pleasant dryness and complex, lingering finish.

Crucially, this coffee features an **exceptionally heavy and syrupy body**. It feels weighty and substantial on the tongue, making it a fantastic pairing for milk and an ideal base for espresso. The acidity is **low and smooth**, more malic (like apple) than citric, offering a clean structure without being bright or sharp. This profile makes the Mystic Yunan a great all-rounder, satisfying those who prefer classic, chocolate-forward coffees while rewarding careful brewing with its unique tea-like complexity.

Quick Specs

• Flavour Notes: Black Tea, Dark Chocolate, Walnut, Low Acidity, Heavy Syrupy Body
• Origin: Yunnan Province, China
• Process: Typically Washed or Honey
• Variety: Catimor (Refined Arabica Varietal)
• Format / Weight: Single Origin (Typical retail 250g / 500g options)
• Roast Recommendation: Medium to Medium-Dark Roast for balance and body development

Roast Profile Recommendations

We recommend a **Medium to Medium-Dark Roast** for the Mystic Yunan. The goal is to fully develop the sugar browning (Maillard reaction) to bring out the dark chocolate and nutty notes, while still preserving the unique black tea complexity.

• Charge temp: 200–215°C
• Development: Aim for 2:00–2:30 minutes of post-first crack development
• Finish: Stop the roast just before the second crack starts to maximize body and chocolate notes without burning the delicate tea character.

**Note:** A slightly darker roast enhances the chocolate and prepares the bean perfectly for a rich espresso.

Brew Guide — Unlocking the Cup

**Espresso (Highly Recommended)**
Dose: 19 g. Output: 36–38 g. Total shot time: 28–32 seconds. The heavy body translates into an exceptionally structured and chocolatey espresso with dense crema.

**Pour-Over (V60 / Kalita)**
Use a medium grind. Recommended ratio: 1:15. Water temp: 94°C. A standard pour-over highlights the black tea note and clean finish, while maintaining its signature heavy body.

**French Press / Immersion**
Use a coarse grind and a 1:13 ratio. Steep for 4:30 minutes. The immersion method maximizes the heavy, syrupy body, perfect for a deeply comforting and traditional-tasting cup.

Food Pairings & Serving Suggestions

The heavy body and chocolate/nutty profile of the Mystic Yunan pair wonderfully with rich, comfort foods:

• Baked goods with nuts (pecan pie, walnut cake)
• Savory breakfast pastries (croissants, scones)
• Milk chocolate and caramel desserts
• A light cheddar or Brie cheese on toast

Sustainability, Traceability & Farmer Support

Working in emerging coffee origins like Yunnan ensures that specialty price premiums support developing infrastructure and quality control. The focus here is often on training farmers in advanced harvesting and processing techniques, enabling them to transition from high-volume commodity crops to high-value specialty microlots. This direct relationship fosters economic growth and improved land management practices in the region.

Final Notes & Purchasing

The **China Mystic Yunan Specialty Coffee** is the perfect choice for those who desire a balanced, rich, and full-bodied coffee with a touch of unique complexity derived from its tea-growing heritage. It is highly versatile and an excellent entry point into the world of specialty Chinese origins.