India — Plantation B

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

Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Exceptionally Smooth

India Plantation B is the unsung hero of Indian washed Arabica. While the “AA” and “A” grades capture the attention with their large screen sizes, the Grade B (Screen 15/16) is highly sought after by specialty roasters for its flavor density. Because the beans are slightly smaller, they often possess a more concentrated sweetness and a tighter cell structure, which can lead to a very “punchy” and vibrant cup.

Despite the smaller size, it maintains the strict Plantation quality—meaning it is fully washed and grown under a forest canopy that keeps the soil cool and the flavors complex.

Flavour Experience

Body: Medium and buttery.
Notes: Pronounced caramel, cereal sweetness, and soft earthy spices (clove and ginger).
Acidity: Low and gentle; a “mellow” brightness that reminds one of dried fruit.
Finish: Crisp and sweet, with a hint of roasted hazelnut.

Best Enjoyed As

Plantation B is a favorite for high-quality production roasting:

Espresso Blending: The smaller bean size allows for a very high extraction rate, adding significant “syrupiness” and sweetness to a blend.
Stovetop Moka Pot: Its robust, savory profile holds up beautifully to the intense extraction of home stovetop brewers.
Commercial Specialty: It offers a premium “Plantation” taste at a highly competitive price point, making it perfect for high-volume specialty drip coffee.

The Grade B Advantage

In many cases, coffee professionals find that Grade B beans actually roast more efficiently than the larger “jumbo” grades. The smaller surface area allows for a more rapid heat transfer to the center of the bean, often resulting in a very uniform roast color and a deeply developed sugar profile.