This is ST ALi’s second year proudly working with Riverdale Estate to bring their epic coffees to a wider audience - not that they need our help: these rising stars in the fast growing Indian specialty coffee producing scene already have a reputation for interesting and incredibly high quality offerings. What we love about Riverdale is that they seem to have found that rare balance between pursuing the latest experimental processes while also maintaining the highest standards for bean quality and production. The result is coffee with unapologetic bold, big flavours that is also balanced, clean, and above all that makes you want to have another cup.
Riverdale Estate is along the Eastern Ghat Mountains located near the small town called Yercaud or locals call them a “Shevaroys hill ” in India. This region is well known for growing Arabica Selection 9 and selection 5B, this variety of coffee is a derivative of a cross between Ethiopian Tafarikela and Hybrido-de-Timor, and has all the exceptional qualities that are displayed by Tafarikela in the cup.
After the coffee cherries are handpicked, all defective beans are sorted out by hand. To further eliminate any underdeveloped beans, the cherries are floated in spring water. This process allows the underdeveloped beans to float to the surface and be removed. The sorted cherries are then transferred to a purpose built fermentation room, where they undergo a 72-hour fermentation process. During this time, the temperature and pH levels are closely monitored and controlled. This meticulous monitoring helps to ensure consistency across all lots of coffee. Following completion of fermentation, the cherries are sundried on raised beds for a period of 25-30 days. This slow drying process allows the moisture within the cherries to gradually evaporate, resulting in uniformity in the cup. The raised beds, designed in the African style, facilitate efficient water drainage and promote proper airflow around the coffee beans, aiding in even drying.
