DISHOOM PERMIT ROOM BLEND - INDIA & BRAZIL

Notes: Dark chocolate, hazelnuts, citrus fruits

Variety: SLN 795 & Yellow bourbon

Process: Washed & Natural

This delicious blend is made up of a naturally processed regional lot from Mantiqueira de Minas, Brazil and a washed lot from the Kondadakan estate in Chikmagalur, India. 

The Kondadakan estate is located along the Western Ghats of South India, in Chikmagalur District, adjacent to Bababudangiri Hills and Muthodi Reserve Forest. The estate uses minimal chemicals and relies on manual labor for most of its work. This helps to preserve the purity of the environment and protect the natural, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems. They also provide their staff with housing, free medical facilities, a crèche, electric and water supply, and other benefits. The estate also runs a hospital with a resident doctor and two qualified nurses. Coffee is grown under major native trees for filter shade, such as Atti (fig), Basri, and Neeroli. These trees also enhance the unique taste profiles of the coffee beans. This coffee has been sourced with our importing partners SICC (South India Coffee Company). SICC envision a world where everyone involved in the coffee chain, from farmers to roasters, can thrive economically while being mindful of the environment. As an impact-driven company, SICC believe that economic sustainability and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but rather go hand in hand. Economic sustainability in the coffee industry is essential for the livelihoods of coffee farmers and the long-term viability of the industry.

Our Brazil is a much more intimate operation than is the norm with coffees from this region. Coffee is grown collectively, with each farm only one to two hectares in size. Mountain slopes rise steeply around the central village, so coffee is brought down to large driveways which double as drying patios or shared spaces between the houses. Family members and neighbors all pull together to help each other out. The driving force of the village and coffee are the women. Their reputation for standing behind the community with an ethical approach is well established. 

 

Maria Paula Rocha is the figurehead and go-between for the village and Ascarive. Ascarive will check the cleaning of the coffee, colour sort and cup, and prepare the bags for export. Maria makes sure the quality is upheld, and the premiums from being Fairtrade certified are spent appropriately. These premiums are collated and spent as a village (rather than individuals), on projects that positively impact the lives of all those in the village.

As we grow year on year here at Wood St, we were very keen to start a deeper, closer relationship when it comes to our house coffee. Back in the summer we cupped lots of coffee from all over Brazil, and this one was a clear winner. Not just on taste, but also its amazing story. A single varietal lot, from primarily female small holders, it’s full of those classic chocolate and nut notes we love in Brazilian coffees. Add in a gentle stone fruit acidity, lots of sweetness and body, and you’ve got yourself a dreamy espresso or milky boi. We are very excited to see where this new relationship takes us, and plan to work together with the farmers of Sertaozinho for many years to come.