Ratnagiri (GREEN)

Chikmagalur, India. Near Bababudangir–the place where coffee originated in India, in a breathtaking and fertile corner of the South Indian Western Ghats–sits the Ratnagiri estate. The name means ”pearl mountains” because of the Silver Oaks that are found there, shading the coffee's growth. They give the hills of the estate a pearlescent appearance. To Ashok and Divya Patre, this place is just as precious as a pearl. The Patre family has been tending this land since 1927, and their continued adherence to sustainable methods and environmental conservatism has produced excellent coffee and pepper meant to delight the palate. The family's operation is impressive, not just in India and not just for their farming practices. While they have more traditional washed offerings at the estate, the coffee is one of Ashok’s more experimental offerings; Anaerobically fermented and naturally processed. Natural process coffees already have a more pronounced fruity sweetness than washed coffees, and additional anaerobic fermentation adds a deep syrupiness and decadent booze note that keeps us coming back.