India holds a legendary place in coffee history, rooted in the tale of the pilgrim Baba Budan, who smuggled seven fertile seeds from Yemen in the mid-1600s to plant them in the hills of Karnataka.
Today, that same region—specifically the lush, biodiverse Western Ghats—is producing some of the most exciting specialty coffees in our roastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides the perfect altitude and forest cover to support high-quality Arabica, and we are thrilled to feature two distinct expressions of this terroir that showcase the incredible range of Indian coffee production.
Hospura
Our first feature is Hospura, a washed process coffee from the Baba Budan Giri region that serves as a warm and moreish introduction to the area's potential. Grown at 1300 meters by producer Abrar Zoheb, this medium roast is built on a foundation of rich chocolate and roasted hazelnuts. The washed processing ensures a clean, balanced cup where a juicy citrus acidity meets the deep sweetness of flame raisins. It is an exceptionally comforting coffee that feels like a classic, yet offers a refined finish that highlights the careful stewardship of the Hospura Estate.
Ginimao
In contrast, the Ginimao estate offers a more exotic, natural process experience from the edge of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. This century-old estate, managed by Steven Rebello, produces a micro-lot that is expressive and full of character. The cup leads with warming spices and dried red berries, layered over a complex base of pecan and bittersweet treacle. As the coffee cools, a delicate white grape note emerges, adding a touch of elegance to the rounded, biscuit-like mouthfeel. It is a sophisticated brew that captures the wild, untamed beauty of its surroundings.
Both of these coffees rely on heritage cultivars like S795 and Chandragiri, which maintain a strong lineage to the original seeds planted centuries ago. By enjoying these lots, you are supporting farming practices that prioritize shade-grown systems and the preservation of indigenous wildlife corridors. Whether you find yourself drawn to the clean, chocolatey depths of the washed Hospura or the spicy, fruit-forward complexity of the natural Ginimao, these two selections from Karnataka offer a perfect window into the specialty coffee revolution currently flourishing in India.
