The Coffee
: @ratnagiri , @kerehaklu , MS Estate @Balanoor
: @bluetokaicoffee
: honey processed coffee from Ratnagiri Estate, a natural from Kerehaklu Estate and a washed coffee from M.S. Estate.
: ?
The Estates : Ratnagiri
The Ratnagiri Estate is an environmentally abundant corner of the majestic South Indian Western Ghats near Bababudangiri, the place where coffee in India originated. Spread over 117 hectares, Ratnagiri has an impressive yield of quality specialty coffee successfully inter-cropped with fine pepper. Ratnagiri literally means Pearl Mountains, and the dense silver oaks that tower over remarkably flavourful shade grown coffee give a silvery hue to the hills illustrating the name. At Ratnagiri, generations of the Patre family have dedicated their lives since 1927, caring for a land that has rewarded their passion and perseverance. With Coffee, Pepper and Nature.
Ratnagiri Estate coffee is a popular purchase by fine flavour seeking palates across the world. The farm follows strict quality standards and has it’s own water supply from two fresh water streams following strict guidelines of government quality and pollution control boards. With a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, the coffee from the estate is a fine blend of art and heart! (1)
Ratnagiri Estate is a Rainforest Alliance certified farm in the South Indian Western Ghats near Bababudangiri, the place where coffee in India first originated. The Patre family has looked after the farm since 1927 and their approach to farming has always placed ecology and harmony with the environment at the forefront of their work. Ratnagiri literally means ‘Pearl Mountains’ and gets this name from the dense Silver Oaks that tower over coffee plants, lending a silver hue to the hills where the farm sits. (2)
The Estates : Kerehaklu
[kay – ray – huck – loo] – noun
1. Definition: the shelter (‘haklu’) by the lake (‘kere’)
2. Origin: 11th – 12th Century Kannada language
Kerehaklu is our home. It is a green haven tucked away in the Western Ghats, a place that inspires you to gather yourself, unwind and create. The plantation is spread across 250 acres and is a 15-minute drive from the closest village of Aldur, making it a secluded getaway amid fascinating flora, fauna and fungi. Our land and its specially curated activities are rooted in nature, and our way of living places conservation and cohabitation at its core. Allow yourself to find a space of calmness, away from all the commotion, with a visit to Kerehaklu.
Our family produces an array of specialty Arabica and Robusta varietals that are cupped and scored by professional Q-graders every harvest. We are proud of this achievement since our coffee is grown in coexistence with the local biodiversity.
Altitude: 3750 feet above mean sea level on average.
Processing methods: Washed, honey and naturally processed coffees with various experimental and replicable fermentation conditions and times.
Genetics: Arabica Selections 5B, 6, 795, Chandragiri (Sarchimor), 9, 10, and Robusta Selections CxR, 274 and Peradeniya, as well as small amounts of the elusive Anokhi Liberica.
Annual rainfall: 80 inches per annum. (3)
The Estates : MS Estate : Balanoor
Balanoor Plantations & Industries Limited was incorporated in 1937, with the acquisition of tea & coffee estates from British planters in the 1930s. Balanoor group has come a long way since its inception. Production has increased five-fold and continues to expand with the adoption of modern technology in agricultural and manufacturing practices. Balanoor has diverse interests in Tea, Coffee and Rubber plantations, horticulture and real estate. We have always believed in providing quality products consistently with personalized attention. This is also a reason why we are able to develop a cordial relationship with our customers.
Amidst the rolling Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, in the vicinity of Chickmagalur are the Coffee plantations belonging to Balanoor, extending over an area of 600 hectares. High elevation (900 to 1400 meters. MSL), copious rainfall (300 cm p.a.), rich deep soil and evergreen shade have helped nurture the coffees.
The company grows Arabica and Robusta coffee. Of the Arabica variety approximately 80 per cent is converted into washed coffee, called “Arabica Parchment”; and the remaining 20 per cent is prepared by the natural method and is referred to as “Cherry”. Of the Robusta Variety ? 65 per cent is washed coffee which is called “Robusta Parchment” and the rest is prepared as Robusta Cherry. Our annual production of coffee is around 500 Tons. (4)
Technical Specifications of Coffee Production
| Division | Arabica : Chennakkal, Vontekad, Bettadakumari, A Division Robusta : Yelemadalu, Kotordie, Kogrie, Achuvan, MS Robusta |
| Variety of Coffee | Arabica : Arabica SL 795, SL 9, Old Kent, Sachimore and Cauvery Robusta : Old Robusta, Robusta C x R |
| Processing Method | Natural Fermenting + Aqua Washing + Underwater Soaking + Drying on Trough + Sun Drying + Shade Drying on 2nd and 3rd day between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Coffee is initially dried on raised platforms for couple of days. |
Merthi Subbangudigy Estate, otherwise known as M.S. Estate, is located in the rolling Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. The farm extends over an area of 600 hectares and lies at an elevation of 1100 to 1400 meters above sea level. The high altitude, in addition to the rainfall which can reach up to 350 cms per year, rich soil and evergreen shade have helped nurture the Arabica and Robusta plants that grow here. M.S. Estate is one of several coffee estates owned by Balanoor Plantations, whose experience in the coffee industry dates back to 1937.
M.S. Estate grows Chandragiri, selection 795, selection 9, Kent, BBTC, MS Hybrid, Cauvery and Ethiopian heirloom varieties of Arabica. Silver Oaks, Dadap and various jungle woods are interspersed among the coffee plants, providing shade as well as a welcoming habitat for a number of birds, including myna, parrots, peacocks, woodpeckers, owls, and parakeets. Animals such as bison, deer, foxes, and wild boars are amongst the many animals found in this area. Balanoor is also home to two tea estates sprawling over 225 hectares. Murgadhi and Yelemadalu, in Chikamagalur, producing about 625 tons of tea per year. (5)
The Roaster : BlueTokai
BlueTokai, are indian specialty coffee roasters established in 2013 by Matt Chitharanjan, with cafes now across India. they have varied and lovely selection of coffees and have now also expanded to single origin easy pourover sachets.
what i want to remember
i got this on a whim. like you want a slice of the birthday cake, no matter what. this was something like that with coffee. the beans smelt so so so deliciously fruit, plumy, juicy with a distinct “sweetness”. like sugar syrup not jaggery. just sweet without hitting the bass notes. i did the lance hendrick method on a v60 for most of this. 12g:120g. 60/60/70/70 with a swirl after each pour.
beautifully fruity. plums not pruny or winey. the washed comes through adding tons of earthy smokiness that lingers and translates to a good aftertaste.
fantastic first-cup-of-the-day brew. i also went back and bought this as sampler packs which I brewed predominantly as an iced pourover or “flash” brew if you will. zero compliants.
i wouldnt mind this every year instead of the birthday cake. Kudos BT and Happy Birthday (albeit belated, sorry)
