VENKIDS VALLEY - India

This year has been a lot of firsts for Old Spike. Our first cafes outside of Peckham, our first direct trade relationships established and now, our first import of Indian coffee.

In March this year, Old Spike's Head Roaster, Marcus and Roastery Manager, Zuza reached out to Komal, cofounder of South Indian Coffee Company (SICC). The three spoke over zoom and discussed the importance of traceability, supporting smallholders, establishing relationships from producer to our customers at home, and of course, great tasting coffee.

Komal had the perfect solution: Venkids Valley.

Komal sent over some samples of the coffees SICC have access to, and included a small bag of a honey processed catuai from Venkids Valley. Venkids Valley is a small estate owned by husband and wife, M.C Nanjappa and Shilpa Nanjappa. The couple plant single cultivar lots allowing for an approach to their agronomy that can be replicated across the whole lot.

The cup itself is an exhibition of tropical fruits and the product of careful and considered cultivation and processing. With notes of gooseberry, candied pineapple and a long cocoa finish.