Black Oak — Vietnam Lam Dong

Featured the week of August 24, 2026 — rated 9.8/10 by our tasting team.

We are absolutely hyped to share an incredibly rare gem this week that completely redefines what we expect from Southeast Asian terroir: the Lam Dong Anaerobic Natural from Vietnam. Produced by the smallholder farmers of the Dung K'NO Commune in the Central Highlands, this stunning lot is grown at a staggering 4,900 to 5,000 feet. This high elevation forces a slow cherry maturation, packing insane cellular density into every seed before they undergo a meticulous anaerobic natural processing. The resulting light roast profile is a beautifully wild, fruit-forward masterpiece. In the cup, we are tasting an explosion of bright strawberry and rich cherry liquor, giving way to an incredibly sweet mid-palate of ripe banana. The acidity is brilliantly complex—a lively, sparkling tartaric and malic brightness from those red fruit notes that provides perfect structure against the intense sweetness. When this brew hits your palate, expect a remarkably pillowy, viscous mouthfeel that gracefully carries warm notes of cacao nibs and toasted marshmallow straight through a long, lingering finish. It is a deeply complex, unrefined natural sweetness that completely steals the show—pure, water-soluble aromatic brilliance that feels wonderfully heavy in the cup without any artificial or cloying qualities. Grab your gooseneck kettles, dial in those burrs, and get ready for a seriously exceptional morning ritual—happy brewing, friends!

Process: natural

Written by the Angels' Cup tasting team.