The Magic of Monsooned Malabar
Before diving into brands, let's talk about a coffee that is literally a product of the Indian monsoon. Monsooned Malabar is a unique processing method where green coffee beans are exposed to the moisture-laden monsoon winds of the Malabar coast for several
months. This process, discovered accidentally during the age of sailing ships, causes the beans to swell, lose their acidity, and develop a full-bodied, earthy, and complex flavour profile with notes of chocolate and spice. It’s a smooth, mellow brew that feels custom-made for a dreary, wet afternoon. Many Indian specialty roasters offer their own take on this classic, making it the most thematically perfect coffee for the season.
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters: The Pioneer
Arguably the brand that kick-started the third-wave coffee movement in India, Blue Tokai has become synonymous with high-quality, freshly roasted Indian coffee. They source their beans directly from estates across the country, from Chikmagalur to Yercaud, and their transparent sourcing model ensures you know exactly where your coffee comes from. For the rainy season, their Attikan Estate coffee is a fantastic choice. It’s a medium-dark roast with comforting notes of dark chocolate, figs, and roasted almonds. Its rich and bold character holds up beautifully as a black coffee or in a milk-based drink like a cappuccino, making it a versatile staple for your monsoon pantry.
Araku Coffee: The Global Award-Winner
What started as a social enterprise to empower Adivasi farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley has become a globally celebrated, award-winning coffee brand. Araku Coffee is not just delicious; it’s a story of community, sustainability, and world-class quality. Their beans are grown biodynamically, meaning the entire farm is treated as a single living organism. For a truly special monsoon experience, try their ‘Signature’ blend. It’s known for its balanced flavour with a hint of bitterness and delightful notes of caramel and citrus. Brewing a cup of Araku feels like supporting a powerful movement while indulging in a truly exceptional coffee.
Subko Coffee Roasters: The Artisanal Experimenter
Based in Mumbai, Subko has quickly gained a cult following for its meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting, and branding. They treat coffee like a craft product, focusing on unique micro-lots and experimental processing methods. Their packaging is a work of art, and their flavour profiles are often surprising and complex. For a rainy day that calls for something a bit different, look for their single-origin releases from estates like Ratnagiri or Kerehaklu. These coffees often feature bright, fruity, or floral notes that can cut through the gloom of a grey day, offering a vibrant and aromatic escape in a cup. They are perfect for pour-over enthusiasts looking to explore the lighter, more delicate side of Indian coffee.
Third Wave Coffee: The Café Experience at Home
While famous for their widespread and popular cafes, Third Wave Coffee also offers a fantastic range of beans for home brewers. They make specialty coffee accessible and easy to understand. Their focus is on creating consistent, enjoyable, and well-balanced brews that appeal to a broad audience. A great pick for the monsoon is their ‘Karadykan Estate’ medium roast. It boasts a smooth, syrupy body with classic notes of cocoa, brown sugar, and a hint of orange zest. It’s the kind of reliable, comforting coffee that you can brew every morning while watching the rain fall, delivering that perfect café-quality experience without you having to step outside.
