The Enchanter

Aldur, situated in the heart of Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district, is celebrated for its unique terroir that combines misty hills, rich red soil, and centuries-old shade trees. This distinctive ecosystem nurtures coffee plants, allowing beans to develop nuanced flavors with vibrant acidity and a velvety body. Known for producing some of India’s finest specialty coffee, Aldur’s unmatched biodiversity and traditional cultivation methods set it apart as a coffee-growing gem.

Kerehaklu Estate is run by a father-son duo where Ajoy brings in his 35 year expertise and Prannoy heads innovation and experimentation. Prannoy is zealous and enthusiastic about introducing new micro lots every year. At an Elevation of 3750 ft, coffee in this estate is shade grown and results in sweet yet complex coffees. Why we picked this estate? Because of their commitment to research and pushing the boundaries of specialty coffee.

The SL 9 varietal, developed in India, is known for its resilience and adaptability to varying climates. It thrives in high-altitude regions, producing beans with a balanced flavour profile. With its excellent cup quality and disease resistance, SL 9 is a favourite among specialty coffee growers and roasters alike.

For this process, the coffee cherries are pulped and then submerged in water with a starter culture. The temperature of the ferment is raised in a controlled manner at the end of the process. Following this it is carefully dried on raised beds within a polyhouse.

This coffee is complex right from the moment its ground. A fragrance of lychee and jasmine turns into prunes once water is poured in. The sweet notes of prunes continue as we taste the coffee with a syrupy body. As the coffee cools down, it gives way to a bright acidity with a very pleasant aftertaste.

The coffee was roasted medium - light to retain the acidity and fruity notes of the coffee. A quick roast with a short DTR helps maintain the complex notes of the coffee.

DTR - 13%

Roast time - 9 min and 30 seconds