Currently shipping coffee roasted on Dec 2nd.
Tasting notes: Rose, lavender, dried lime
Farm name: Ratnagiri Estate
Location: Chikmagaluru, Karnataka, India
Producer name: Mr. Ashok Patre
Harvest Date: January 16, 2024
Varieties: Catuai
Elevation: 1375m
Pricing: Farm Gate: $5.60
Processing Details & Intentions:
Crafted for Fellow Drops: A 72-Hour Symbiotic Fermentation
This exceptional coffee was specifically processed for Fellow Drops by Mr Ashok Patre on behalf of Driftaway Coffee. Sourced from the *Line Block*—a section of Ratnagiri Estate nestled alongside the workers' quarters at 4,400 feet (1,350m)—this Catuai varietal is handpicked at peak ripeness with cherries registering an impressive 25.2 Brix, this lot reflects the meticulous care Mr. Ashok Patre and his team bring to every harvest.
Processing begins with floaters being removed, followed by the cherries entering stainless steel fermenters. There, Mr. Patre introduces a unique 72-hour symbiotic fermentation, blending a specific yeast strain with lactic acid bacteria—two microorganisms that work harmoniously to unlock layers of complexity and depth. After fermentation, the coffee is carefully slow-dried on raised beds for 29 days, with constant stirring to develop an even, refined character.
Inspired by the advanced processing techniques of Colombian producers—especially Diego Bermudez, known for his groundbreaking thermal shock methods—Mr. Patre’s ambition is for India to match and surpass the level of excellence Colombia has achieved in specialty coffee. Rosewater coffee is a testament to India’s ability to not only compete on the global stage but to set new standards for quality and innovation in specialty coffee.
About the farm:
Mr. Ashok Patre’s mission at Ratnagiri Estate is to place India as an origin on the top-tier of the specialty coffee industry. His forward-thinking approach blends innovation with a deep respect for the land, aiming to build a legacy that empowers future generations in coffee farming.
Ratnagiri Estate, nestled in the Western Ghats of India, is renowned for its innovative approach to coffee production. Managed by Mr. Ashok Patre, the estate is dedicated to sustainable farming practices and producing high-quality, specialty-grade coffees. Under Mr. Patre’s leadership, Ratnagiri Estate has become a leader in experimental processing methods, including anaerobic fermentation, that bring out distinct flavor profiles in its coffees. The estate is also committed to environmental conservation, preserving the rich biodiversity of the region while delivering exceptional coffee to global markets. Here's a nice clip of an interview with Mr Patre - https://www.instagram.com/p/DAH0w8CTLQc/
Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/ratnagiri_estate
https://www.instagram.com/driftawaycoffee/
