Vietnam — Wet Polished SCR 16

Origin: Central Highlands (Dak Lak, Lam Dong)

Profile: Ultra-Clean, Nutty, and Chocolatey

Vietnam Wet Polished SCR 16 represents a modernized, high-quality approach to Robusta from the world’s largest producer of the species. Unlike traditional “dry-processed” Robusta which can be dusty or rustic, “Wet Polished” coffee undergoes a specialized mechanical process that uses water and friction to remove the silver skin (parchment) and any residual dust.

The result is a bean that is exceptionally shiny, clean, and visually stunning. The Screen 16 size is the “standard of excellence” for Vietnamese exports—large enough for a uniform roast but compact enough to offer a dense, concentrated flavor profile.

Flavour Experience

Body: Very heavy and “creamy”; provides a thick, velvety coating on the tongue.
Notes: Clean dark chocolate, hazelnut, and malted milk, with almost zero earthy or “woody” funk.
Acidity: None; it is purely smooth and savory.
Finish: Crisp and sweet, leaving a lingering taste of roasted cacao nibs.

Best Enjoyed As

Wet Polished Robusta is the secret weapon for roasters who want the “kick” of Robusta without the “smell” of lower grades:

The “Clean” Espresso Component: It provides the signature thick crema and high caffeine but is so clean that it won’t interfere with the floral or fruity notes of high-end Arabicas in a blend.
Traditional Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa): When roasted dark and brewed through a Phin filter, it creates a chocolatey syrup that pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk.
Single-Origin Dark Roast: Because it is polished and cleaned, it handles dark roasting beautifully, producing a smoky, sweet cup with zero “ashy” bitterness.

What is “Wet Polished”?

The Process: After the beans are dried, they are put through a polisher with a fine mist of water. This buffs the bean to a high sheen.
The Benefit: It removes the “silver skin” which, if left on, can burn during roasting and cause a bitter, papery, or smoky taste. Wet Polished beans result in a much cleaner, more predictable flavor.

Quick Comparison: Vietnam vs. India Robusta

Feature	Vietnam Wet Polished (SCR 16)	India Kaapi Royale (Washed)
Character	Creamy & Direct	Elegant & Silky
Processing	Mechanically Cleaned	Fermented & Washed
Primary Note	Hazelnut / Cocoa	Dark Dutch Chocolate
Visuals	Very Shiny / Glossy	Matte / Pale Jade