We have handpicked five artisanal Indian coffees for all the connoisseurs out there
Representative Image. Pic/iStock
Indians might love their tea, but there’s no denying that coffee has its fans across the nation. Gone are the days when coffee drinkers would be satisfied with a cup of instant coffee. With a number of coffee shops popping up throughout the last decade, demand for different variants of coffee has been steadily increasing. Several indie platforms have been trying to catch up by serving the freshest beans, roasted to perfection, from local coffee estates.
Mumbai’s own
ADVERTISEMENT
Mumbai-based Subko Speciality Coffee Roasters was launched during the pandemic. Offering varied roasts for cold and hot brews, they source beans from coffee plantations in Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Garo Hills Medium Light Roast (INR 495) and Ampthill Downs Medium Roast (INR 515) make for notable blends. These Arabica beans can be ground to size as per your preference to accommodate varying methods and equipment of brewing. Their 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable packaging adds to the appeal of their speciality coffee.
Log onto www.subko.coffee/
Variety is the spice of life
Dope Coffee Roasters is an interesting coffee brand that aims to cater to those who crave variety. Its extensive collection offers over 12 varieties of coffee to suit varied preferences, from international to Indian speciality. The caramel flavoured Mysore Nuggets (INR 480), earthy Monsooned Malabar AAA (INR 535), and nutty Colombian Decaf (INR 1650) are some of their most popular offerings. For those who are fond of single estate and origin coffees, Baabara Estate AA (INR 525) is a must try.
Log onto dopecoffee.in/
Floral, toffee, and more
Cultivated in the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, Araku Coffee is a social enterprise by the NGO Naandi Foundation. Local farmers work together with agricultural and coffee experts to bring to you 100 percent certified organic coffee. A pure Arabica, the Araku coffee has a unique taste profile, combining balance, smoothness, and roundness. Its four blends are Signature (INR 580) with dark chocolate and red fruits, Selection (INR 670) with hints of toffee, Grand Reserve (INR 670) with fruity and floral undertones, and Microclimate (INR 940) with grapes, strawberries, and cocoa.
Log onto https://www.arakucoffee.in/
Coffee for a change
Black Baza Coffee roasts some of the most interesting coffees to be found across the country. Be it Arabica or Robusta, their coffees highlight the diversity of coffee landscapes Their top offerings include Jumping Ant (INR 350), shade-grown Arabica with citrusy notes, and Luna (INR 300), dark medium natural, sun-dried Robusta with dark chocolate notes. Their Sample Pack (INR 900) is great for those who want to try all their blends. With its conservation, restoration, and community-building efforts, the brand aims to positively impact India’s coffee industry.
Log onto https://blackbazacoffee.com/
Sustainably gourmet
An all-women family enterprise, Halli Berri is sustainably farmed, shade-grown, and hand-picked coffee from their estate in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Their efforts to reduce carbon-footprint have earned them a Rainforest Alliance-certification. Known for its natural honey-dew flavour, their gourmet brew lingers long after you’ve had a cup. Beans sourced are AAA graded, which makes Halli Berri ideal for those who are particular about their coffee. Halli Berri is available online and across various Mumbai establishments.
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news