The Nest Estate – Syrina

Nestled in the mountains of Shuangjiang County, Lincang, The Nest Estate represents an exciting new generation of Chinese specialty coffee. Led by Yao Dexian, the estate combines progressive cultivation, agricultural research and a remarkable commitment to exploring the potential of unusual coffee varieties.

Although the wider enterprise was established in 2010, its focus on specialty coffee began in 2020. Today, the estate encompasses approximately 87 hectares of coffee cultivation, growing a diverse selection of varieties including Geisha, Typica, Yellow Bourbon, Sarchimor and Syrina. Coffee is cultivated alongside carefully selected shade trees, with integrated irrigation and thoughtful agricultural practices supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

Under Yao's direction, The Nest has continued investing in cultivation and processing infrastructure, exploring how different varieties can thrive in Yunnan's distinctive mountain environment. Recognised as one of Yunnan's Top Ten Specialty Coffee Estates in 2022, the project reflects the ambition and growing sophistication of China's specialty coffee industry.

This is our first time working with Yao and The Nest Estate, and Syrina immediately captured our attention. Beyond its fascinating origins, the coffee offers an unusual combination of fruit complexity, delicate florality and remarkable clarity that challenges conventional expectations of coffee from China.

We are incredibly excited to introduce Yao and The Nest Estate to the Sweven community, and even more excited to discover where this new relationship might take us.

Syrina is a fascinating and exceptionally rare variety whose story begins in Maneepruek, a mountain village along the Thai–Lao border. Among a collection of coffee plants that had been growing in the region for approximately 30 years, Thai-American producer Kaleb Jordan and his research team identified several unusual selections. One particularly promising variety was named Syrina after Kaleb's daughter.

Genetic analysis suggests a complex lineage involving Sarchimor, Mundo Novo, Typica, Bourbon and Timor Hybrid. Its appearance shares similarities with Parainema, while its elongated cherries and seeds are reminiscent of Java and Geisha. This unusual genetic background gives Syrina the potential for vibrant acidity and delicate floral complexity.

The Nest Estate became the first to introduce, cultivate and develop Syrina in China, establishing the variety within the mountainous landscape of Yunnan. For this particular lot, the coffee is grown at elevations between 1,600 and 1,950 metres above sea level, where the highland environment provides favourable conditions for developing sweetness and aromatic complexity.

Only fully ripe cherries are selectively hand harvested before being carefully cleaned and sorted. The coffee then undergoes a Slow Dry Natural process, with the cherries remaining intact throughout drying, allowing the fruit to gradually dehydrate around the seeds.

Rather than drying under intense direct sunlight, the cherries are spread in thin layers on raised beds beneath protective shelter. Gentle airflow and frequent turning encourage even dehydration while carefully managing fermentation. Over approximately three to four weeks, the cherries gradually reach a moisture content of 10–12%, allowing sweetness and complexity to develop while preserving exceptional clarity.

In the cup, expect dewberry, melon and cherimoya. Sweet and complex, the profile combines juicy berry-like acidity with delicate tropical sweetness and a beautifully clean structure. Elegant sencha aromatics bring an unexpected dimension, complementing the fruit character and carrying through to a refined, lingering finish.

This is an extraordinary introduction to Syrina, bringing together unusual genetics, patient natural processing and the remarkable potential of Yunnan's emerging specialty coffee landscape.