India – Karnataka Highlands – Monsooned Malabar
Tasting Notes: sweet spice, toasted nuts, dark cocoa, cedar
SCA Cup Score: 83 What does this mean?
Processing: Monsooned
Varietal: Selection 795, Kent
Growing Altitude: 1100 -1200masl
What is it good for?: Best in espresso or moka pot, where its low acidity and syrupy body shine. Also great in French press if you’re after something bold and smooth.
Additional Notes:
We know Monsooned Malabar isn’t exactly the darling of the third-wave scene — but honestly, who cares? People often ask us for a Monsooned Malabar and when we tried this excellent example which is a cut above the norm, it had to be! It’s one of those slightly guilty pleasures that people secretly love. Earthy, rich, mellow, and just a little bit wild.
Grown in Karnataka’s highlands and aged by the Arabian Sea under monsoon winds, the beans are exposed to humid air in open-sided warehouses for several weeks. During this time, they absorb moisture, swell in size, turn pale gold, and lose much of their acidity — leaving behind a smooth, full-bodied cup with a character all its own.
Think of it as the espresso equivalent of a leather armchair: reliable, worn-in, and deeply satisfying. Go on — treat yourself.