Coffee Tasting Experience in Coorg India

Once a year there comes a day which is dedicated to coffee all over the world: October 1st , International Coffee Day!  We, a group of travel and food bloggers visited a coffee plantation in Kushalnagar 230 km from Bangalore for the occasion. Thanks to Nestle India, we had a good coffee tasting experience and learned about coffee grown in the farms of South India in a coffee tasting event.

Coffee Beans

Coorg Coffee Trails

The day started with a visit to Coffee Plantation in Madikeri, Coorg. We could see a very good crop with branches crowded with clusters of coffee beans. On some nodes, we saw the coffee flowers. The buds resemble jasmine buds and smell like them too. It takes around 10 months to get the full maturity of the seeds right from its flowering stage, starting from February till December.

Coffee is harvested from January to March, dried and processed by hulling and roasting. By February, they start marketing the coffee. It requires at least 6 years for a plant to give a good commercial (profitable) yield.

The raw seed as such does not have any flavor. Only after roasting you get a good aroma of the coffee. The two varieties commonly grown in South India are Robusta and Arabica.

While Robusta (70%) flourishes well in lower elevation, Arabica(30%) requires higher elevation to grow and fruit well. Robusta provides stronger coffee while Arabica produce is smooth.

The Coorg coffee plantation has tall Silver Oak trees to provide shade for the coffee plants. This protects the coffee plants from harsh sunlight and helps maintain the optimum temperature for the coffee plants to bloom and fruit well. They observe the concept of multiple farming as there are pepper plants creeping on to the taller trees and thus they get a good yield of pepper too.

Rich harvest of Coffee. A branch laden with coffee fruits.

NESCAFE Demo Farm in Coorg

The specialty of the plantation is the NESCAFE demo farm. Farmers here are trained and educated about various global coffee farming practices. Picking the right insecticides, right fertilizers, correct methods, these are some practices taught to the farmers. Simple things like tying up bags around trees enable them to practice waste management well. The farmer working in plantation maintain the cleanliness of the place well.

Coffee Tasting Event

Our next visit was to a coffee tasting unit for coffee tasting experience. Coffee tasting is also referred to as a coffee cupping. Coffee tasting experience allows participants to explore and appreciate different flavors, aromas, and characteristics of various coffees. My experience at the event was mind-blowing to say the least. Here’s how it went –

Selection of Coffees: They had both varieties of coffee for tasting – Robusta and Arabica. At larger events, a variety of coffees from different regions, blends, or roasts will be available for tasting. These coffees may vary in flavor profiles, acidity levels, body, and aroma.

Professional Guidance: Most coffee tastings have a knowledgeable guide or coffee expert who leads the tasting session. They will provide information about each coffee being sampled, including its origin, processing method, roast level, and tasting notes. The coffee taster at NESCAFE demo farm in Coorg, demonstrated the 4 simple steps of coffee tasting, quite similar to tea tasting.

• SMELL, Evaluation of Aromas – Our sense of taste is directly influenced by sense of smell. We were given samples of freshly ground coffee beans to smell and take note of the aromas. Different coffees may exhibit floral, fruity, nutty, or spicy aromas, among others.
• SLURP – It is important that you slurp and not sip for the right coffee tasting experience. We tasted the coffee by slurping it from a spoon or cupping bowl. This technique helps aerate the coffee, spreading it across the palate to fully experience its flavors and mouthfeel.
• ROLL – Next we were told to roll the slurped in coffee around our tongue. This activates all taste buds and enhances the coffee tasting experience.
• SPIT – Of course, you can’t keep taking in all of that coffee. So spit out each sip that you have taken in. For clearing the taste in mouth wash with water or munch on crackers.

Tasting Notes: We were then asked to identify and describe the flavors, acidity, sweetness, body, and aftertaste of each coffee. They provide a flavor wheel or tasting sheet to record the observations.

Comparison and Discussion: Next we had a good time comparing different coffees side by side to discern the subtle differences in flavor and quality. The guide facilitated discussions about the characteristics of each coffee and how factors such as altitude, soil, processing, and roasting influence the final taste.

What you need to know before your first coffee tasting session

Before your first coffee tasting or cupping session keep these few factors in mind to make the coffee tasting experience worthwhile and memorable:

Understanding the purpose: Coffee cupping is a method used by professionals to evaluate and analyze the aroma, taste, and quality of coffee beans. It allows you to assess different coffees side by side and compare their characteristics.

Familiarize yourself with the process of coffee tasting: It typically involves evaluating coffee samples in a controlled environment, following specific steps such as smelling the dry grounds, adding hot water, breaking the crust that forms on the surface, and finally, slurping the coffee to assess the flavors.

Develop your palate: Train your taste buds before attending a coffee tasting session. Pay attention to the flavors you experience when drinking coffee and try to discern different taste profiles. It will help if you expose yourself to a variety of other foods and beverages with distinct flavors, such as fruits, chocolates, and wines. That will expand your palate.

Stay open-minded and curious: Be prepared to explore new flavors, ask questions, and learn from the experienced cuppers around you.

Use a standardized evaluation form: Familiarize yourself with cupping form that professionals use to record their observations. These forms provide a structured framework to evaluate and rate various aspects of the coffee, including fragrance, aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Hydrate and cleanse your palate: Before the cupping session, it’s important to drink water to cleanse your palate and ensure you’re well-hydrated. This helps prevent taste fatigue and allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of each coffee. Also avoid consuming strong-flavored foods or beverages immediately before the session, as they can influence your ability to discern subtle coffee flavors.

Introducing E by NESCAFE: Your Perfect Travel Companion

This year traveling Coffee Lovers have an extra reason to celebrate the day more. Nescafe has released an amazing gadget E by NESCAFE, a Nescafe Coffee Machine, for all traveling coffee lovers.

Here are 5 reasons to own E by NESCAFE

1. It is sleek, compact and lightweight in design. I love the look of it. E by Nescafe is sleek and easy to grip it firmly, yet voluminous enough to quench your thirst for coffee (120ml). You don’t need to pack an extra mug as you can drink directly from the mug.
2. Easy to pack and carry with you on your long flights and train rides. The slender design enables you to slip it into your cabin baggage.
3. It has several personalization features. The skin color of the device is customizable.
4. The device comes with several coffee recipes. You can get creative and make a new coffee experience of your own. Personalize the taste!
5. The device allows you to communicate with a world of other NESCAFE users. Share your new coffee creations with your friends.

How to make your coffee with E by NESCAFE

• Download NESCAFE, turn on Bluetooth. Pair your mug with Nescafe app.
• Go to the App, choose the recipe you want to make. The recipe has clear instructions about the ingredients that you have to add and the quantity of the water to be added.
• The app has several recipes. It even has one option to make your own coffee formula. Click ‘Make My Coffee’ of the app.
• The app signals you when the coffee is ready. It takes approximately 90sec
• You can share your recipes with your friends connected with you through your smartphone.
• The gadget churns out only hot beverages. For cold beverage you have to add ice cubes.
• Once the make cycle is complete, switch off the machine and release the cap. Observe safety precautions here to avoid scalding.

Buy or Gift – ‘E by NESCAFE’ online

E by NESCAFE is now available to buy online on Amazon. The product comes with a year’s warranty and safety instructions. There are many precautions and recommendations mentioned in the manual. Follow them to the last word for best results and long life of the gadget! Do check out this brilliant device and let me know what you think about it in the comments below!

FAQ questions and answers on coffee tasting experience in a coffee plantation in India:

What is a coffee tasting experience?

A coffee tasting experience is an opportunity for individuals to explore and appreciate the diverse flavors and aromas of different coffee varieties produced at the plantation.

How long does a typical coffee tasting session last?

A coffee tasting session usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of coffees being sampled and the depth of discussion.

What types of coffee are usually included in a tasting session?

In a coffee tasting session, participants can expect to sample various types of coffee beans, including Arabica and Robusta, as well as different blends and single-origin coffees.

Do I need to be a coffee expert to participate in a tasting session?

No prior coffee expertise is required to participate in a tasting session. It’s a fun and educational experience suitable for coffee enthusiasts of all levels.

What should I wear to a coffee tasting at the plantation?

Casual and comfortable attire is recommended for a coffee tasting at the plantation. Be prepared for potential outdoor settings and varying weather conditions.

Are children allowed to participate in coffee tasting sessions?

While coffee tasting sessions are typically geared towards adults, some plantations may offer family-friendly experiences where children can also participate under supervision.

Can I purchase coffee beans at the plantation after the tasting session?

Yes, many coffee plantations offer the opportunity to purchase freshly roasted coffee beans onsite, allowing you to take home your favorite varieties and flavors.

Are there any specific health considerations for participating in a coffee tasting session?

Individuals with caffeine sensitivities or health concerns should exercise caution and moderation during the tasting session. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns.

What are the benefits of attending a coffee tasting at a plantation?

Participating in a coffee tasting at a plantation offers a unique opportunity to learn about the coffee production process, discover new flavor profiles, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee roasting and brewing.

How can I book a coffee tasting experience at a coffee plantation in India?

To book a coffee tasting experience at a plantation in India, you can typically contact the plantation directly or inquire through their website or booking platform. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, celebrating World Coffee Day at a coffee plantation enabled us to have a unique and immersive coffee tasting experience – a multi-sensory experience. From learning about the coffee production process to participating in a coffee tasting event, it was a wonderful opportunity to expand the knowledge and appreciation for this beloved beverage.

The coffee tasting session especially provided an excellent platform to develop palate and explore the diverse flavors and aromas found in different coffee varieties. I learned that through sensory evaluation and guided cupping, it is possible to refine our ability to detect and appreciate the subtleties of coffee, gaining a deeper understanding of its complexity.

Furthermore, the launch of the NESCAFE Coffee Machine added a touch of modern convenience to the celebration.

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• Kopi Luwak in Bali
• Lavazza Coffee in Turin Italy
• Jaipur Cafe Culture

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