A Beloved Bean Returns
A Beloved Bean Returns
“Halli Berri Coffee” translated locally as ‘Village Bean’ is an heirloom varietal of Arabica Chandragiri homegrown in the Baba Budan mountains of India (1200 meters above sea level) on the Kariappa family’s Kambihalli “Iron Village'' Estate. This family-owned coffee farm dates back more than 4 generations. Currently owned and operated by Mrs. Kariappa and her four daughters. Kambihalli Estates is famously hailed as India’s ~ FIRST ~ all-women-led artisanal “conscious coffee” concern; renowned for sustainable, shade-grown, handpicked, and sun-dried specialty coffee since 1948.
The annual flowering, women of Kambihalli Estate, and the shaded seedling farm. Photo credit belongs to Nimish Jain.
Legend With A Lasting Legacy
Popular Indian lore states that a Sufi saint from Karnataka state, Baba Budan, discovered coffee on a pilgrimage to Mecca in the 17th century. In his eagerness to grow legendary coffee himself, he smuggled seven fertile beans out of the Yemeni port of Mocha taped to his belly hidden under his sash. On his journey home, he planted the spectacular beans on the sloped hills later named after him- the Baba Budangiri- where his remains rest in reverence today.
Biodiverse And Balanced Ecosystem
This gourmet single-origin Arabica bean is highly revered and protected in Baba Budan; grown under a canopy of jungle trees ensuring a biodiverse and balanced ecosystem. Time-honored tradition and detailed devotion to conservation are expressed in every sophisticated cup of this uniquely elegant and complex coffee.
The exceptional varietals conserved and produced by the Kariappa family intentionally support the region's natural habitat. The estate produces Arabica Chandragiri, Catuai, Obatta, ‘Wild’ 795, 4595, and regional Robusta all within a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot. The farm and ecosystem support more than 80 varieties of birds (www.ebird.org) and are proudly Rainforest Alliance Certified.
After eight long-awaited years, we are privileged to showcase this heirloom harvest as “India Kambihalli” here at Spella Caffè. We are enraptured by the elements of paradise found in its medium-bodied aromatic abundance.
This glorious bean has the finest structure we’ve seen in 17 years of roasting the highest quality beans.
It dazzles with perfectly balanced acidity, heavy minerality, and jubilant spicy notes of cardamom, white pepper, and oak. It will dance on your palate and linger until you’re ready to return to earth.
This remarkable Indian coffee shines best as a pour over.
We hope you savor this rare crop shared directly with Spella’s community from our friends at Kambihalli Estate. We know you will fall in love with this beautiful culture’s coffee and treasure its dynamic complexity. It is truly sensational in every sense of the word!
Squisito!
Enjoy your own India Kambihalli at home by visiting Spella’s online shop or one of our fabulous caffès!
Alder Street and Harrison Square will sample, serve, and stock this dazzling new coffee beginning February 1st.
