Bhutan Coffee

Culture

Bhutan is a small country located in the Himalayas, between China and India. It is known for its unique culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Bhutanese culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, and the Bhutanese people place a great emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Coffee culture in Bhutan is relatively new, as coffee was only introduced to the country in the 1960s. However, it has rapidly gained popularity in recent years and is now an important part of Bhutanese society. There are a number of coffee shops and cafes in Bhutan that serve a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte. Many Bhutanese people enjoy drinking coffee as a social activity, and it is common to see people gathering in cafes to chat, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

In Bhutan, coffee is grown in the southern region of the country, in the subtropical valleys of the Sarpang and Gelephu districts. The coffee is shade-grown, which means that it is grown under the canopy of trees, which provides natural protection from the sun and helps to preserve the soil. This method of cultivation is believed to produce a higher quality coffee, as it allows the beans to mature more slowly and develop their full flavour.

Overall, Bhutanese culture is characterised by a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. The growing popularity of coffee in Bhutan reflects this, as it provides a place for people to come together and enjoy a drink that is produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Grown at 2000 m above sea leve

Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the Himalayas. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and its unique culture, which is steeped in ancient traditions and Buddhism.

One of the things that Bhutan is also known for is its coffee. Bhutanese coffee is grown in the highlands of the country, at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters above sea level. The coffee plants are cultivated using traditional, sustainable farming methods, and the beans are hand-picked and carefully processed to ensure the highest quality.

Bhutanese coffee has a unique flavour profile, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and spices. It is a medium roast, with a smooth, full-bodied taste and a slightly sweet finish.

The story of Bhutanese coffee begins in the early 2000s, when a group of young Bhutanese entrepreneurs saw the potential for coffee farming in their country. They began working with international experts to learn the best practices for growing and processing coffee, and eventually established the first Bhutanese coffee farm.

The farm was a success, and soon other Bhutanese farmers began to follow suit. Today, Bhutan is home to a thriving coffee industry, with several farms producing high-quality beans that are exported to coffee-loving countries around the world.

Despite the success of the Bhutanese coffee industry, the farmers remain committed to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of their country. They use organic fertilisers and carefully manage water resources to ensure that their coffee farming practices have a minimal impact on the environment.

Rai the coffee artist

Rai is a talented coffee artist in Bhutan who has gained a lot of popularity for his unique and intricate coffee art creations. His coffee art ranges from simple designs to complex, detailed pieces that showcase Bhutan's cultural and natural beauty.

One of Rai's most popular coffee art creations is a depiction of the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliff high above the Paro valley. He creates the image using various shades of coffee and by carefully etching and sculpting the foam on top of the coffee.

Another popular creation of Rai's is a portrait of Bhutan's fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He creates this image by using different shades of coffee to create the shading and details of the king's face, and then using a thin brush to carefully paint the finer details.

Rai's coffee art has gained a lot of attention and he has even been featured in several local and international publications. He often participates in coffee art competitions and regularly holds demonstrations and workshops to teach others how to create their own coffee art.