India may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of great coffee, but it should be. As one of the largest coffee suppliers in the world, India is a rapidly growing force in the global specialty coffee market — and the flavor profiles it produces are genuinely distinctive.
The Flavor Profile
Indian single origin coffees share some characteristics with Indonesian coffees. Expect a pronounced body with mild acidity and hints of subtle earthiness or spice. While sipping a cup of Indian single origin, you might identify flavors like nutmeg, pepper, clove, cardamom, or even hints of tropical fruit.
Indian coffees are also considered some of the best shade-grown coffees in the industry, which contributes to their complex and layered flavor development.
A Remarkable Origin Story
Indian coffee has an extraordinary history. It traces back roughly 400 years to a saint who smuggled coffee beans out of Yemen. Combined with a legendary lucky accident at sea that shaped the development of Indian coffee cultivation, the country seems to have been destined to produce coffee.
The unique cultivation conditions in India — the soil, the shade-growing practices, the climate — produce a stimulating intensity and intriguing subtlety that is genuinely unique to the region. With the rising status of Indian coffee among connoisseurs worldwide, it will be interesting to see where the country’s specialty coffee scene goes next.