This International Coffee Day, coffee aficionados in Kolkata have reason to celebrate as specialty coffee houses unveil their exceptional coffee varieties that are setting new standards in the world of coffee culture.
Transcending the boundaries of traditional coffee, Craft Coffee, a haven for coffee connoisseurs, proudly presents “Cascucha,” a fermented version of Cascara cherry tea. Abhinav Kumar, co-founder, Craft Coffee, explains the uniqueness of Cascucha “The fermentation process impacts the pH, caffeine content, and flavour notes, creating a fizzy tea-like drink packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. It’s not just a fruity delight but also a low-caffeine, healthy beverage.”
Embracing the versatility of coffee, Craft Coffee endeavours to curate fusion coffee recipes like Cranberry Cold Brew, Cranberry Lime Coffee Tonic, and Orange Cold Brew, which preserve the original flavour notes while appealing to diverse palates. Kumar highlights, “Coffee’s natural compatibility with citrus and berry options allows us to create delightful concoctions, spreading the coffee culture far and wide.” Moreover, Craft Coffee’s cold brew, known for its smoothness and lower acidity, offers a full mouthfeel and easy digestibility, ensuring a memorable coffee experience. Kumar further states, “We believe in making coffee an inclusive delight, and our cold brew exemplifies that commitment.”
Grant Walsh, founder, 8th Day Cafe & Bakery, has been an integral part of Kolkata’s coffee scene, offering a unique experience to coffee enthusiasts. He shares his vision, “We only serve AA or AAA Arabica coffee beans from Indian coffee farms, which is one of the top classifications of beans in the world. We work closely with these farms and hand select the beans that yield the best tones and flavours for the customer’s palate and experience.” For 8th Day Cafe & Bakery, it’s about bringing forth fruity or chocolate tones in their coffee creations, delivering consistency that patrons can rely on. Walsh adds, “We value consistency for our customers, so we work tightly with only a few farms that we have close relationships with.”
Another celebrated coffee house in Kolkata, Potboiler Coffee House stands out for its commitment to consistency, traceability, and transparency. They have transformed coffee into an art form, inviting guests to explore the uncharted realms of coffee consumption. Sonali Lakhotia, co-owner, Potboiler Coffee House, explains her philosophy, “It’s not just about classic coffee options; there’s so much more to discover.” One of their signature creations, “The Orange Palace,” exemplifies their innovative approach. This blend of Espresso, Orange Juice, Rosemary, and Cinnamon, along with some trade secrets, creates a sensory masterpiece that challenges conventional notions of coffee.
Potboiler Coffee House is also renowned for its diverse selection of coffee beans, sourcing from various regions and estates. Lakhotia elaborates, “We are a multi-roaster specialty coffee shop, constantly introducing our guests to different beans and unique coffee types. It’s about celebrating the richness of coffee from around the world.” In addition to their own roasts, Potboiler Coffee House highlights guest roasters each month, bringing a fresh perspective to coffee connoisseurs. “We aim to respect the bean and highlight new coffee regions, such as Thailand, Nagaland, and Orissa,” says Lakhotia, emphasising their commitment to innovation and variety.
Up for some specialty coffee? Delve into these unique offerings at these coffee houses in Kolkata and embark on a delightful journey of flavour exploration.