India – Chikmagalur (Washed) | Specialty Coffee Beans UK
Ratnagiri Estate Chandragiri from Chikmagalur, India: A meticulously processed washed coffee from 1,340 masl, roasted omni-style (medium/light) for filter and espresso, with notes of caramel, vanilla pods and nougat. Produced by Ashok and Divya Patre using precision fermentation techniques. Freshly roasted in the UK; choose whole bean or a grind tailored to your method.
🌟 Limited availability: This seasonal microlot is available until 8 December 2025 to ensure you receive it at peak freshness (within 7 weeks of arrival).
Key facts
- Origin: India — Chikmagalur — Ratnagiri Estate
- Producer: Ashok and Divya Patre
- Variety / Process / Altitude: Chandragiri · Washed (48h fermentation + vacuum impregnation) · 1,340 masl
- Farm size: 108 hectares
- Roast profile: Omni (Medium/Light) – Filter & Espresso
- Tasting notes: Caramel, vanilla pods, nougat
- Best for: V60, AeroPress, French press, Espresso
Tasting & experience
This coffee offers a balanced, approachable cup with a silky body and moderate acidity. The caramel sweetness appears first, followed by delicate vanilla notes and a nougat-like finish that lingers pleasantly. The medium-light roast brings clarity and brightness without sacrificing body or complexity. When brewed as filter at 94 °C, expect a clean, tea-like quality with layered sweetness; as espresso around 93 °C, it produces a gentle, sweet shot with smooth texture and balanced acidity. The precision fermentation process adds subtle complexity without overpowering the coffee's inherent sweetness.
Origin & traceability
This exceptional coffee comes from Ratnagiri Estate in Chikmagalur, India, produced by Ashok and Divya Patre across 108 hectares at 1,340 metres above sea level. The Chandragiri variety undergoes a remarkable processing method: 48 hours of in-cherry fermentation, followed by vacuum impregnation in a bioreactor to drive microbe-enriched mosto into the seed, then depulping and a further 36 hours of fermentation with the same mosto before washing and slow drying in a dark room for 14 days.
Mr Patre's approach represents the cutting edge of specialty coffee processing. Working with a renowned food scientist and a team including two microbiologists (one holding a PhD), he has designed bespoke fermentation equipment where nearly every aspect is meticulously controlled. Each fermentation is carefully monitored through microbial plating and titratable acidity measurements. This scientifically grounded methodology allows him to precisely guide fermentations, creating clean, complex coffees that showcase what Indian terroir and varieties can achieve through innovative processing.
Roast & brewing suitability
Roasted to a medium-light profile that balances development and sweetness, this omni roast is designed to work beautifully across filter and espresso methods. The lighter development preserves the coffee's clean acidity and delicate vanilla notes whilst bringing forward caramel sweetness and nougat body. For filter methods like V60 or AeroPress, expect a bright, tea-like clarity with layered complexity. As espresso, it delivers a sweet, approachable shot with balanced acidity—ideal at 1:2–1:2.2 ratios around 93 °C.
Brew guides
V60 · 250 ml
15 g coffee · 250 g water · 2:30–3:00 total · 94 °C · medium-fine grind.
AeroPress · 200 ml
15 g coffee · 200 g water · 1:45 total · medium grind.
French press · 500 ml
33 g coffee · 500 g water · 4:00 steep · coarse grind.
Espresso (guide)
18 g in → 36–40 g out · 28–32 s · 93 °C (adjust to taste).
Grind selection guide
| Method | Recommended grind |
|---|---|
| V60 / Filter | Medium-fine |
| AeroPress | Medium |
| French press | Coarse |
| Espresso | Fine |
Freshness & storage
Roasted fresh to order. Best enjoyed within 4–6 weeks of roasting. Store in a cool, dry place; reseal after opening.
Sustainability & quality
Ratnagiri Estate operates with meticulous scientific precision, employing food scientists and microbiologists to ensure quality and consistency. The farm's investment in bespoke processing equipment and research-driven practices demonstrates a commitment to advancing specialty coffee through innovation whilst supporting sustainable agricultural practices in Chikmagalur's coffee-growing region.
Shipping & subscriptions
UK delivery available. Optional subscriptions for regular deliveries.
FAQs
Is this coffee good for V60?
Yes—its clean processing and complex fermentation profile make an aromatic, layered cup at 94 °C using a medium-fine grind.
Which grind should I pick for AeroPress?
Choose the "AeroPress" grind (medium). Start with 15 g coffee to 200 g water for a balanced extraction.
When was this coffee roasted?
We roast fresh to order to ensure maximum freshness. Roasting typically occurs within days of your order.
Can I use it for espresso?
Yes. Expect a sweet, balanced shot; adjust ratio to 1:2–1:2.2 and temperature around 93 °C.
How should I store it?
Keep the bag resealed in a cool, dry place; avoid fridges or freezers once opened.
What makes this Indian coffee special?
The precision fermentation process using vacuum impregnation and controlled microbial activity creates unique complexity whilst maintaining exceptional cleanliness.
What is vacuum impregnation?
A technique using vacuum pressure in a bioreactor to drive microbe-enriched liquid into the coffee seed, enhancing flavour development during fermentation.
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