India - Ratnagiri Estate

India – Ratnagiri Estate

Pour Over | Aeropress | French Press | Espresso

Coffee has deep roots in India, dating back to the 1600s when the mystic Baba Budan is said to have smuggled seven coffee seeds from Yemen into the hills of Karnataka. What began as small garden plots later expanded during British colonial rule, eventually establishing India as one of the most important coffee producing regions in Asia. Today, India is known for its shade-grown coffee, diverse microclimates, and a growing specialty market driven by estates that blend heritage with modern processing.

Among these leaders is Ratnagiri Estate, located in the lush Western Ghats, a UNESCO recognized biodiversity hotspot. Established in 1927 by Patre K. Shivappaiya, the estate has flourished across generations through a strong commitment to environmental balance, wildlife protection, and selective, quality-focused farming practices. Now led by Ashok, with Divya Patre overseeing cherry selection, Ratnagiri remains one of India’s most respected specialty coffee farms.

This sequential washed Catuai lot highlights their meticulous approach. The cherries undergo 24 hours of fermentation in cherry, followed by depulping and another 18 hours of mucilage fermentation, then a full wash and 14 days of drying on raised beds. The process creates a cup that is both playful and structured featuring a buttery caramel-coated popcorn sweetness layered with a zesty lime acidity. This quality is guided by a skilled team, Ashok’s leadership, Divya Patre’s meticulous cherry selection, and the decades-long expertise of Mr. Venkatesh Rao and Mr. Mahesh.

A vibrant expression of India’s evolving specialty coffee landscape, this coffee is equal parts history, craftsmanship, and distinct terroir.

NOTES | Butterscotch, Citrus

PROCESS | Sequential Washed

VARIETY | Catuai

REGION | Chickmagalur District

ALTITUDE | 1,150-1350 Meters

ROAST | Medium