India — Plantation A 17

Origin: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats)

Profile: Balanced, Spicy, and Mellow

India Plantation A represents the high-standard “A-grade” selection of washed Arabica. While the AA grade selects the absolute largest beans, the Screen 17 (A) is the industry favorite for its incredible balance. These beans are grown under the lush, diverse shade canopies of the Indian highlands, often intercropped with pepper vines and cardamom bushes, which subtly influences the aromatic complexity of the crop.

As a “Plantation” grade coffee, it undergoes a meticulous wet-process (washing), which strips away the heavy fruit to reveal a cleaner, more refined version of India’s famous spicy-sweet profile.

Flavour Experience

Body: Medium-full and smooth.
Notes: A gentle harmony of milk chocolate, toasted grains, and mild culinary spices (think black pepper and cinnamon).
Acidity: Low and soft; very approachable with no sharp edges.
Finish: Clean and savory with a light tobacco or woody sweetness.

Best Enjoyed As

The Screen 17 size is prized for its roasting efficiency, making this a go-to for:

Classic Filter Coffee: A reliable, non-acidic cup that is perfect for those who enjoy adding a splash of cream.
All-Day Espresso: Provides a consistent, nutty base for high-volume cafes.
Breakfast Blends: Its mild nature makes it the perfect “middle” bean to bridge the gap between a bright African coffee and a heavy Brazilian variety.

A vs. AA: What is the difference?

The difference is purely physical sizing. While AA uses Screen 18, Grade A uses Screen 17.

Flavor: Nearly identical, though some roasters prefer the Screen 17 (Grade A) because the slightly smaller beans can sometimes roast more evenly to the core in standard drum roasters.
Value: Grade A offers the same premium “Plantation” flavor profile at a slightly more economical price point than the jumbo AA beans.