Vietnam — Clean SCR 18 (Selected)

Origin: Central Highlands (Buon Ma Thuot / Dak Lak)

Profile: Crisp, Direct, and Exceptionally Consistent

Vietnam Clean SCR 18 (Selected) is a meticulously sorted Robusta designed for roasters who demand the highest level of physical purity without the “glossy” finish of a wet-polished bean. The “Selected” tag indicates that this lot has undergone additional passes through color sorters and gravity tables to remove “blacks,” “sour beans,” and foreign matter.

Unlike “Wet Polished” coffee, “Clean” (or Grade 1) Robusta retains its natural matte appearance but is free from the dust and debris typical of standard commercial grades. This results in a “honest” cup that highlights the true terroir of the Central Highlands—offering a bold, savory profile that is remarkably stable.

Flavour Experience

Body: Full-bodied and “chewy”—very substantial on the palate.
Notes: Classic burnt sugar, toasted grains, and heavy cocoa, with a subtle earthy spice (black pepper or clove).
Acidity: Zero. It provides a solid, flat foundation for any blend.
Finish: Bold and “dry,” reminiscent of dark baker’s chocolate and roasted malt.

Best Enjoyed As

This specific grade is the industry standard for high-end commercial production:

The “Workhorse” Espresso: It provides the reliable caffeine kick and crema stability needed for high-volume café service.
Modern Coffee Capsules: The “Selected” nature of these beans means they are free from defects that could cause “off” flavors in the concentrated environment of a Nespresso-style pod.
Cold Brew Base: When roasted dark, its chocolatey/malty notes create a very “strong” cold brew that holds up perfectly when diluted with ice or heavy milk.

What does “Selected” actually mean?

In the Vietnamese trade, a “Selected” Screen 18 goes beyond just size:

Low Defect Count: Usually follows “Grade 1, 3% Black & Broken” or better standards, ensuring no “stinker” beans ruin a batch.
Machine Cleaned: While not “polished” with water, it has been mechanically vibrated and air-cleaned to remove the bulk of the chaff (silver skin).
Density Sorting: Only the heaviest, most mature beans make it through, ensuring a deeper sugar development during the roast.

Comparison: Clean (Selected) vs. Wet Polished

Feature	Vietnam Clean (Selected)	Vietnam Wet Polished
Appearance	Natural, matte green/tan	Shiny, glossy, translucent
Roast Character	Slightly more “rustic” and savory	Extremely clean and “smooth”
Chaff Level	Moderate (standard)	Minimal to none
Best For	Traditional Strong Blends	Modern “Clean” Specialty Blends