India's relationship with coffee is rooted in the legend of Baba Budan, a 17th-century Sufi saint who brought seven coffee beans from Yemen after a pilgrimage to Mecca. By planting those seeds in the misty hills of Karnataka, he sparked what would become India's coffee industry. On the world stage, India was long known primarily for bulk exports of Robusta beans for commercial blends. Today, that narrative has shifted dramatically as forward-thinking producers prioritise high-altitude, shade-grown Arabica beans.

Near the Bababudangiri mountain range (named after Baba Budan), Ratnagiri Estate is globally recognised for its pioneering approach to experimental processing. Rather than relying solely on traditional methods, estate owner Ashok Patre has spent the last decade investing in advanced, science-backed processing technology, including an on-site microbiology lab, bioprocessing tanks, and custom drying setups. Additionally, the estate has reduced its water usage by up to 65% through high-pressure eco-pulpers and strict wastewater treatment protocols.

This lot, roasted by Cape Town's Origin Coffee Roasting, showcases the Cauvery variety, more widely known as Catimor. It inherits a rich flavour quality and high yield potential from Caturra, balanced by the natural hardiness of the Timor Hybrid. Read Origin's notes below to learn about the coffee's anaerobic natural process and controlled drying phase.

Origin's notes

“Ratnagiri Estate is an exceptional specialty coffee produced at Ratnagiri Estate in the Bababudangiri region of India’s Western Ghats. Carefully crafted using an anaerobic natural process, ripe coffee cherries are fermented in sealed, oxygen-free tanks before being dried with the fruit intact. This innovative approach enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and complexity, producing a vibrant cup with expressive fruit character while showcasing the estate’s commitment to quality, experimentation, and precision.”

• Flavours: Glazed blueberry, cranberry, tropical fruit, cardamom, caramel, cocoa, marshmallow, sugar-sanded gummies
• Body: Velvety
• Acidity: Vibrant
• Roast: Medium
• Brewing: Siphon, Chemex, V60, plunger, Aeropress

Coffee details from Origin

“Nestled in the Bababudangiri Hills of Karnataka, within the Western Ghats, Ratnagiri Estate benefits from one of India’s most unique coffee-growing environments. The estate sits at elevations of approximately 1,200–1,450 metres above sea level, where rich soils, abundant monsoon rainfall, cool mountain temperatures, and native shade trees create ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional coffee. The biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributes to slow cherry maturation, allowing the coffee to develop remarkable sweetness, depth, and complexity.”

• Country: India
• Region: Bababudangiri, Western Ghats
• Owner: Ratnagiri Estate
• Altitude: 1,200–1,450m ASL
• Variety: Cauvery
• Processing: Anaerobic natural