Chikmagalur – India

Chikmagalur – India

Cultivated at 1,340 metres above sea level in the famed coffee-growing region of Chikmagalur, this washed lot comes from Ratnagiri Estate, a 108-hectare farm managed by Ashok and Divya Patre. The Chandragiri variety grown here benefits from the estate’s rich soils and careful cultivation, but what truly sets this coffee apart is the innovative approach to processing pioneered by Mr. Patre.

The cherries undergo an initial in-cherry fermentation for 48 hours before being vacuum impregnated with a microbe-enriched mosto inside a bioreactor, allowing the liquid to penetrate the seed. After depulping, the beans are fermented once again with the same mosto for 36 hours, then washed and dried slowly in a dark room for 14 days. This method, which combines scientific precision with artisanal care, produces an exceptionally clean and complex cup, highlighting both terroir and innovation.

Ratnagiri Estate has become a benchmark for experimental processing in India, with nearly every fermentation step monitored under laboratory conditions. The estate’s team includes microbiologists and food scientists who track microbial activity and acidity with meticulous detail, ensuring consistency and quality at levels rarely seen in coffee production. This unique scientific approach pushes Indian speciality coffee into new territory, drawing comparisons to fermentation practices in fine wine and craft beer.

The result is a vibrant, expressive cup that reflects both the character of Indian terroir and the pioneering spirit of its producers.

Roast Level: Light/Medium
Country: India
Notes: Caramel, Vanilla, Nougat