This lot from Melkodige Estate is our kind of experiment done right. Ripe SL9 cherries were hand-picked, floated to remove lights, then submerged with EM5 microbes for a 74-hour anaerobic ferment. After that, the cherries were moved to raised wooden trays and dried under shade for 15 days.

What this really means is flavor with layers: cocoa and raisin at the core, a lift of sweet lime, and a finish that hints at cacao nib and dried dates. It’s juicy without getting wild, sweet without tasting candy-like.

We roast this medium-light to keep the lime sparkle and retain the chocolatey depth that makes the cup feel complete. If you’re into expressive naturals that still behave well on brew bar, this is the one.

Taste

Cocoa, raisin, sweet lime, cacao nib, dried dates.

Brew guide

• Filter: 1:16, 92–94°C, 2:45–3:00 total (V60/Kalita/AeroPress).

• Light espresso: 1:2.3 in 30–34s; expect a syrupy shot with citrus pop.

Specs

• Estate: Melkodige Estate, Chikmagalur, KA

• Variety: SL9

• Process: EM5 anaerobic natural (74-hour submerged ferment)

• Drying: 15 days on raised, shaded beds

• Elevation: 4200 ft MSL

• Roast: Medium-Light

• Best for: Filter, pourover, AeroPress; adventurous light espresso

• Freshness: Roasted to order. Peak from day 7–28. Reseal tight.