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Robusta – But Why? An Oomph with exciting flavours
Kaapi Royale Single Origin Coffee: A Taste of India
In general, single origin coffees offer a distinctive taste that always reflects their unique place of cultivation. One exceptional example is Kaapi Royale, our single origin coffee from India. Produced by the Kiambatta Estate in Coorg, this soft robusta carries flavours of hazelnut, nougat, and cocoa, showcasing the potential of high-quality robusta beans. Explore how Kaapi Royale has earned its place as a beloved coffee from one of India’s most renowned coffee-growing regions.
Peradenya Robusta: A Unique Coffee Variety
Kaapi Royale is made from the Peradenya robusta variety, which sets it apart from other coffees. While Arabica beans are often celebrated for their mild and complex flavours, robusta beans, particularly Peradenya, deserve recognition for their strength, boldness and of course higher caffeine content. However, the Peradenya variety cultivated at Kiambatta Estate defies the rough, earthy stereotypes of robusta. It has been carefully nurtured to produce a much softer, more refined profile.
The smooth character of Peradenya robusta makes Kaapi Royale appealing to both seasoned coffee drinkers and those new to the world of specialty coffees. This particular variety contains approximately 2.2% caffeine, higher than its Arabica counterpart, yet manages to avoid bitterness. Instead, its natural flavour leans toward mild sweetness and a silky texture, offering a pleasant drinking experience.
The Art of the Washed Process
One of the factors that contributes to the clean and crisp flavour of Kaapi Royale is the washed processing method used at Kiambatta Estate. The washed process, also known as the wet process, involves removing the coffee cherry’s pulp before the beans are dried. This allows for a more controlled fermentation, which often results in cleaner and brighter flavours compared to other processing methods.
In the case of robusta beans, the washed process is less common, making Kaapi Royale stand out even more. Typically, robusta beans are processed using the natural (dry) method, which can result in a heavier, more intense cup. However, the washed method used for Kaapi Royale accentuates the bean’s softer characteristics, bringing out its complex flavours of hazelnut, nougat, and cocoa, while reducing the harshness often associated with robustas. The result is a well-balanced cup that offers a unique take on the robusta experience.
Kiambatta Estate: Coffee Grown in “The Scotland of India”
Kiambatta Estate, nestled in the verdant hills of Coorg, is producing our Kaapi Royale. Coorg is often referred to as “The Scotland of India,” a name inspired by its lush landscapes, mist-covered mountains, and cool climate. This picturesque region, located in Karnataka, South India, is known for its long history of coffee cultivation. Coffee has been grown here for more than a century, and the district has become synonymous with premium coffee production.
Kiambatta Estate is part of this rich tradition. The estate benefits from Coorg’s ideal growing conditions, temperate weather, high altitude, and rich soils, which combine to produce high-quality coffee. The estate’s commitment to excellence is evident in every step of its process, from cultivation to harvest and beyond. It is this dedication that allows Kiambatta to produce extraordinary coffees such as Kaapi Royale.
Coorg: A Coffee-Growing Paradise
The Coorg district is located in Karnataka State, a region well known for its agriculture. The district’s economy relies heavily on farming, with coffee being the cornerstone of its agricultural production. Coffee was introduced to the region in the late 19th century, and has since flourished. Today, Coorg is responsible for around 40% of India’s total coffee output, making it the leading coffee-growing region in the country.
One of the reasons coffee thrives in Coorg is its biodiversity. The area is home to a range of wildlife and plant species, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports sustainable farming practices. The region’s varied altitudes, abundant rainfall, and rich soils provide the perfect environment for growing high-quality coffee. In addition to coffee, Coorg is also known for producing spices, fruits, rice, and timber, contributing to the region’s agricultural diversity.
The Flavour Profile: Hazelnut, Nougat, and Cocoa
One of the most exciting aspects of Kaapi Royale is its flavour profile. Unlike traditional robusta coffees, which often carry a bitter or harsh taste, Kaapi Royale offers a delicate combination of flavours. Notes of hazelnut provide a nutty sweetness, while nougat adds a creamy, soft texture. Cocoa undertones further enrich the experience, offering a subtle, chocolatey depth that rounds out the flavour.The balanced combination of these flavours makes Kaapi Royale an ideal coffee for those who appreciate complexity without overwhelming intensity.
The Legacy of Coffee in Coorg
Coffee has been an integral part of Coorg’s history for over a century. Since the first coffee plantations were established in the region, Coorg has become synonymous with high-quality Indian coffee. Over the years, estates such as Kiambatta have played a significant role in maintaining this legacy, producing coffee that is both steeped in tradition and forward-thinking in its production techniques.
Kiambatta Estate, in particular, reflects Coorg’s rich coffee culture. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to sustainable farming have helped them create a product that embodies the best of Indian coffee. Coffee from Coorg, and specifically from Kiambatta, offers a window into India’s evolving coffee landscape, where tradition and innovation meet.
Sustainable Farming and Agricultural Diversity in Coorg
Coorg’s agricultural landscape is as diverse as it is sustainable. In addition to coffee, the region is known for producing a wide variety of crops, including spices such as cardamom and pepper, fruits like oranges, and rice. Many farms in the region, including Kiambatta Estate, embrace polycultural systems. These systems allow farmers to grow multiple crops in the same area, promoting biodiversity and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
This commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that the environment remains healthy and productive for generations to come.
By maintaining the ecological balance of the region, Coorg’s farmers help preserve the natural beauty and productivity of their land, all while continuing to produce some of the world’s finest coffee.
Robusta – But Why?
Kaapi Royale, with its soft robusta profile and rich flavour notes, stands as example of what Indian coffee can offer. From its origins in the lush hills of Coorg to its meticulous washed processing at Kiambatta Estate, every aspect of this coffee reflects the dedication and care of its producers.
Try something new and give this single origin robusta the chance to surprise you with its bold but flavourful taste notes.
Our honey processed Geisha is now available online or in our Coffee Roastery Victoria Central Gozo for one time purchase or subscription.