We're honoured to roast several coffees from the Ampthill Downs region in the coming months. This harvest, our coffees from the region were grown at 1375- 1678 meters above sea level, qualifying as ‘Strictly High Grown' (‘SHG’) coffees. When coffee is grown at such exceptionally high elevations in cooler temperatures, it matures slowly, allowing more time for the bean to develop an enhanced flavour profile and body. These coffees are also processed under ‘European Preparation’ ('EP') norms. These practices begin at the cherry harvest, continue with hand sorted removal of defective beans and foreign material without industrialized machinery, preserving local livelihoods, and continue until the beans arrive to roast at Subko. Ampthill Downs is the name that the Pulney’s region of Tamil Nadu was given by the British. We've chosen to feature our coffees under this name to showcase the diversity of influences upon nomenclature across the subcontinent with its rich and diverse history. Nearby Kodaikanal- the bohemian hill station of yore, where coffee is far from the only stimulant readily available- Ampthill Downs is located on the easternmost region of the Western Ghats- considered one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. Frogs and butterflies, gaur-Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrels, emerald doves, and hornbills are common sights. Avocados, hill bananas, citrus fruit, passionfruit, jackfruit, guava, hibiscus, rose, and wild honey are also prevalent.