When it comes to South Indian coffee, filter kaapi has a legendary status.
But that’s not all there is to the industry. Beyond the filter-brewing method, there are 3 classics you should know about: Monsoon Malabar, Mysore Nuggets, and Baba Budangiri Coffee.
These are not coffee varieties or names of coffee drinks (like filter kaapi), but iconic coffee beans categorised by processing method, grading, and origin.
We have discussed Mysore Nuggets on our blog before. In this post, we’re going to help you understand the differences between these 3 coffees and which one you should be trying next.
Origins & Geography
Monsoon Malabar coffee is grown along the southwest coast of India. It gets its name from the Malabar region, which includes estates in Kerala, Karnataka, and the Nilgiri mountains in Tamil Nadu.
Mysore Nuggets coffee, on the other hand, is primarily grown in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and neighbouring hills in the city of Mysore.
Finally, Baba Budangiri coffee refers to the arabica coffee from the Baba Budangiri hills in Chikmagalur.
Processing Methods
In terms of processing methods, Monsoon Malabar goes through 2 stages - dry processing and monsooning. Whereas, Mysore Nuggets are washed-processed coffees.
You can find Baba Budangigi coffee in both dry-processed and wet-processed versions, depending on the coffee producer.
Flavour Profiles
This is where the characteristics of each coffee stand out in comparison to the other. It’s also the factor that will most probably influence your choice.
Monsoon Malabar coffees are typically heavy-bodied with low acidity. You’ll notice earthy, spicy, nutty tasting notes in the cup.
Love kaapi that is more balanced and clean? You should try Mysore Nuggets. They display a mild acidity and a medium body. With tasting notes of chocolate, nuts, and citrus fruits, these coffees are generally well-rounded.
Baba Budangiri coffee has a moderate to bright acidity. You’ll also experience a range of notes depending on the exact blend or single origin. From caramel, chocolate & spices to nuts and earthy notes, the various elements of this coffee are held together by a medium body.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Most of you all know the cultural & historical significance of South Indian coffee as a whole.
When we look at each of these 3 coffees, they paint a more intricate picture of the industry. For example, Baba Budangiri coffee contains the heart and roots of India’s coffee journey. This is where it all began centuries ago, when the monk Baba Budan brought coffee to South India. To date, there are multi-generational coffee plantations that thrive in this region.
Monsoon Malabar came to be as a result of coffee being exposed to humid monsoon winds during sea trade. They are recognised world over because of the unique monsooning process and are sought after by coffee enthusiasts globally.
Mysore Nuggets are the very symbol of coffee excellence within the Indian coffee grading system and enjoy a prime spot on the specialty roasters market.
In a Nutshell
Monsoon Malabar is coffee from the Malabar region that has been processed using the monsooning method. Mysore Nuggets are washed-processed arabica coffee grown in the city of Mysore, which are characterised by extra-large bean size and high quality. Baba Budangiri coffees are arabica coffees grown in the Baba Budangiri hills.
All 3 coffees brew well in a traditional South Indian coffee filter. There’s no better way to appreciate the richness of South Indian coffee without experiencing what these coffees bring to the cup.
Try out our Mysuru blend for the Mysore Nuggets, and Monsoon blend to taste what a monsooned coffee is like.
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