Fermented Washed — Bale Thota

Bale Thota Fermented Washed is a clean and balanced coffee from Bale Thota Estate in Aldur, Chikmagalur, produced by Kuldev Gowda. Grown between 3,346 and 3,543 feet, this lot uses Selection 6 Arabica, bringing together a gentle sweetness with subtle fruit and dried-fruit character. The coffee undergoes a 48-hour fermented washed process. During fermentation, small quantities of chikoo, guava, muskmelon and watermelon are incorporated. The fruit component is intentionally kept subtle, allowing the coffee to retain the clarity and clean character of a washed coffee rather than becoming heavily fruit-forward. In the cup, honey-like sweetness forms the foundation, followed by a gentle raisin character. As the coffee opens, orange juice brings a light citrus freshness, while a subtle hint of jackfruit adds an interesting layer towards the finish. This is not designed to be an intensely fermented or fruit-forward coffee. Instead, the process is used to add a little more sweetness and complexity while keeping the cup clean, approachable and balanced.