Espresso, macchiato, latte, cappuccino, cold brew, iced… — when it comes to enjoying coffee, there is no right or wrong way. But one thing never to compromise on is the quality of the product. There is nothing that can beat the rich bitter taste of coffee — when produced with love, care and the highest quality.
In a country where coffee plays second fiddle to tea, the market for this beverage has always leaned towards the convenience of instant coffee. However, now, coffee drinkers have taken to artisanal coffee, which is far superior to instant coffee in taste and experience — and which has created a huge demand in the market that various brands are filling.
Nishant Sinha’s Roastery Coffee House started when he noticed a demand in the market for high-quality coffee. Having worked in the coffee industry for most of his life, this venture came easily to him.
“India has always been one of the largest producers of coffee. At the same time, we have also been one of the biggest exporters of coffee. Our nation is predominantly a tea drinking community and for coffee, it was only instant coffee. By the start of the last decade, there were many young working professionals who knew about coffee and wanted good coffee, but there wasn’t any supply. I saw a demand for good coffee. It didn’t just feel comfortable, I loved coffee too,” said Nishant.
The best thing that could happen with the rise of specialty coffee is how the farmers benefited from it. Take the Cascara for example, the coffee peel that was discarded, until recently, a beverage was brewed from it. The Cascara is a bestselling drink in many cafés — subtly sweet and full of flavour. Even the coffee cherry peel is now bringing business to farmers. “While instant coffee still continues to rule the market, the next challenge for special coffee brands would be making a place in people’s homes,” shared the entrepreneur.
Nishant says that after he set up the roasting unit in their Kolkata cafe, the sales of their coffee beans have been at an all-time high. Along with that, there has also been an increase in demand for the number of home-brewing equipment like the French Press, which gives people the opportunity to brew their drink according to their own liking.
If you’re looking to delve deeper into exploring fine coffee and skipping the instant mixes once and for all, here are some brands you must try.
Two Brothers Organic Farms
This organic farm’s collaboration with Native Araku Coffee (NAC) has given access to the native coffee that is grown by the adivasis of Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh. The coffee is custom roasted and produced from the wild cherries of the forests of the Araku Valley. This artisanal coffee is available in three versions — filter, instant and moka pot.
Cohoma Coffee Company
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for all your coffee cravings, this is the brand to find solace in. From roasted coffee and a variety of unique cold brews to easy-to-use coffee bags, this brand creates high-quality roasts that will give you the perfect intensity of flavour along with a no-fuss cuppa.
Toffee Coffee Roasters
Love yourself a chilled cold brew to kickstart your day? Well, look no further, because this brand has delicious flavoured cold brews that will make sure you have a new flavour to try everyday! Don’t forget to try their easy brew Whiskey Barrel Aged Coffee as well!
Artisanté
If you are looking at trying coffees from different parts of the world, you’re in the right place. This brand’s curation of coffees from Indian estates and having global heritage has created many blends that are distinctly apart. The best part? You can get the coffee suited to a number of different brewing methods like chemex, pour over, cold brew and moka pot, along with a number of others.
Halli Berri
This brand is one of the only family-owned, all-women concerns in the country that focus on bringing gourmet coffee straight from the farm to your doorstep. They take the effort and care to process the coffee beans the sustainable way ensuring that every sip of caffeinated goodness is sublime.
