888 takes its name from a number symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in many Asian cultures. In picking a coffee that is in season and also represents growth, we think this Indian coffee is a fitting tribute to how far coffee processing has come.
This coffee is produced by Mr. Ashok Patre. Everyone in Indian coffee calls him Mr. Ashok. Not just Ashok. There's a level of respect that's put on his name because he's been banging the drum on Indian specialty coffee for the past 25+ years. He's a pioneer, and once you see how he processes coffee, you'll understand why.
Dustin and I visited Ratnagiri Estate near Chikmagalur in February 2025, and it was immediately clear that Mr. Ashok is operating at a level that most people outside India don't know about yet. We think he has one of the most advanced coffee processing facilities in India (maybe even the world). Having a microbiologist on site, multiple bioreactors, combined with Mr. Ashok's wealth of knowledge, the result is a coffee that is next level.
This India coffee was expertly processed as a mossto double washed, creating a cup that is clean, consistently complex, and versatile. It shines on both espresso and filter with notes of molasses, dark chocolate, and salted caramel. It's roasted to a medium-dark to highlight sweetness; it’s the kind of cup that feels warm, strong, steady, and maybe a little lucky too.
250g bag or 2.27kg. Roasted in Toronto, Ontario.
Orders placed by Sunday @ 11:59pm EST will be roasted Monday to Wednesday and shipped as soon as possible. Orders process and ship out within 2-5 business days.
Indian coffee has a rich history dating back to the 17th century (yes, even earlier than Brazil or Colombia). Legend has it that Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, smuggled seven coffee seeds in his beard from Yemen to India. He planted them in the Chikmagalur hills of Karnataka, where the region Baba Budangiri now bears his name.
For much of its history, India has been known for commercial-grade Robusta and Arabica production. Monsooned Malabar was one of India’s most distinctive offerings, celebrated for its unique process that imparted earthy, mellow characteristics (which got a lot of love during the second wave of coffee).
Today, the specialty coffee scene in India is taking off (on both the production and consumption sides). A growing number of producers are experimenting with varietals, innovative processing methods, and sustainable farming practices to push the industry forward. Their coffees are elevating the archetypal Indian flavour profile while also introducing lots that diverge from it showcasing the country’s (largely overlooked) versatility.
What's exciting about this coffee
The 888 is the kind of coffee that just works. This coffee is produced by Mr. Ashok Patre. Everyone in Indian coffee calls him Mr. Ashok. Not just Ashok. There's a level of respect that's put on his name because he's been banging the drum on Indian specialty coffee for the past 25+ years. He's a pioneer, and once you see how he processes coffee, you'll understand why.
Dustin and I visited Ratnagiri Estate near Chikmagalur in February 2025, and it was immediately clear that Mr. Ashok is operating at a level that most people outside India don't know about yet. We think he has one of the most advanced coffee processing facilities in India (maybe even the world). Having a microbiologist on site, multiple bioreactors, combined with Mr. Ashok's wealth of knowledge, the result is a coffee that is next level.
Not familiar with PNG coffee (or Asian coffee for that matter), so wanted to try something new.
I made an espresso first and then pulled another shot for a milk-based drink.
The espresso was very drinkable; I couldn’t detect any bitterness. Not sure I achieved the full profile though, so will experiment a bit with temperature.
This coffee blended beautifully with dairy making for a very pleasant drink as advertised.
At this price point, a nice option to have.
S
Sandra Duffey
Fine
Fine, smoothe, I wouldn’t buy it again though
B
Bonnie Doiron
Good Driver
A nice baseline blend, easy daily driver for milk drinkers with rich cocoa & caramel tones. I’d highly recommend trying banana milk with it —Game Changer
