Liberica by Salawara Estate

Liberica found its way to India in the late 19th century, when coffee leaf rust was devastating plantations. More than a century later, some of those trees still have stories to tell. At Salawara Estate, Liberica had been growing wild along the farm's edges long before Sharan’s grandfather took over in the 1960s. But processing came with its own challenges. The cherries ripen unevenly and the beans are irregularly shaped. For this lot, Sharan explored it anew. Ripe cherries were sealed in double-walled stainless-steel tanks with a custom starter culture. The tanks were then pressurised with CO₂ to create an anaerobic environment. Since Liberica’s thick, leathery skin takes longer to break down, the cherries underwent carbonic maceration for four days. They were then moved to raised beds and slow-dried for 35 days. Roasted to a medium profile, the result was a vivid expression of Liberica. Cherry and brown spice come through in the aroma. In the cup, notes of maple syrup, cherry, sweet cedar, and ripe jackfruit end with a smooth, oak-like finish. Savour it black or with a splash of milk. Our roasters recommend brewing it as an espresso, with an AeroPress, or a V60.