What is South Indian Specialty Coffee?

Coffee beans growing on the Kulkumry Coffee Estate

Specialty coffee (not speciality coffee as many might think!), is a term you may have come across if you're a coffee enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a great cup of coffee. 

Here at Kulkumry Coffee: The Blesséd Brew, we're proud to offer only the finest South Indian specialty coffee, all of which has scored over 80 in the cup and that's why we are therefore proud to call all our coffees (Bonaventure, Chikka, and Kaphi) “specialty”. 

But what exactly does “specialty” coffee from India mean?  Let’s find out.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee represents the highest standard in coffee production. Unlike commercial coffee, which often prioritises quantity over quality, specialty coffee is all about excellence from start to finish. It begins with the cultivation of high-quality coffee beans (ours are Arabica and Robusta) and continues through meticulous processing, and roasting.  Every step is designed to preserve and highlight the unique characteristics of the coffee, and for us, it’s important that is supported by ethical and sustainable practises. 

To be classified as “specialty”, coffee must score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters known as Q Graders. These experts evaluate the coffee based on various factors, including aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, and overall impression. Only a small percentage of the world's coffee production meets these stringent standards.  You can find out how ours scored by clicking here!  It’s kind of like a school report - only more delicious! 

The Journey of Specialty Coffee

The journey from bean to cup is what truly sets specialty coffee apart. Here’s a glimpse into the process:

1. Cultivation: Specialty coffee starts with high-quality Arabica beans grown in ideal conditions. Factors like altitude, climate, and soil play crucial roles in developing the beans' unique flavours.

Our signature coffee called Bonaventure, is grown on our own coffee estate, Kulkumry, set in the beautiful Baba Budhan foothills.  You can take a look at how and where it’s grown, by clicking here.

2. Harvesting: The coffee cherries are hand-picked at peak ripeness to ensure only the best beans are selected. This meticulous process ensures that only the finest cherries make it to the next stage.

3. Processing: After harvesting, the cherries undergo processing to remove the outer fruit and reveal the beans. This can be done through various methods such as washed, natural, or honey processing, each imparting different flavour profiles to the coffee.  Ours are washed in a local coffee works in Chikkamagaluru.

4. Roasting: Now it’s over to the expert roasters, who take the green coffee and roast it to perfection, unlocking its full potential. The roasting process requires a delicate balance of time and temperature to enhance the beans' natural flavours without over-roasting them.

5. Brewing: Finally, the coffee reaches you, the consumer. How you brew it – whether in a French press, pour-over / drip / filter, or espresso machine – will affect the final taste. Specialty coffee is best enjoyed when brewed with care to highlight its unique characteristics.

Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

Choosing specialty coffee is choosing quality, sustainability, and an exceptional coffee experience. Here are a few reasons why you might want to make the switch:

- Superior Flavour: Specialty coffee offers a diverse range of flavours and aromas, from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey. Each cup is a journey of discovery.

- Ethical & Sustainable Practices: Specialty coffee often comes from estates that practise sustainable farming and ethical farming methods, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their hard work.  These practices have always been at the core of what we do at Kulkumry Coffee and you can read more about it here.

- Attention to Detail: The rigorous standards and meticulous processes involved in producing specialty coffee mean you're getting a product that has been crafted with care at every stage.

Experience South Indian Specialty Coffee for Yourself

At Kulkumry Coffee: The Blesséd Brew, we're passionate about bringing the best of South Indian specialty coffee to the UK. 

Our Indian Arabica coffee and Robusta beans are sourced from our own estate, neighbours, and other renowned coffee-planters in the Chikkamagaluru, South India, known for its unique terroir that imparts distinctive flavours to its coffee.

We work with a roaster who ensure that its planters produce ethical coffee from India that is both sustainable and delicious.

Each batch is carefully roasted to highlight the rich, complex notes inherent in our beans.

Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur, just beginning your coffee journey, or missing your South Indian filter coffee from home, our specialty coffee offers an unparalleled taste experience. Explore our range now!