Kupaka
KUPAKA comes from Komala Estate, a high-elevation coffee farm owned by Shyam Ponnappa, located at 937 meters in the prime northern zone of Karnataka. This altitude, combined with the gentle slopes of 5 to 10 degrees, allows the land to retain soil health and moisture naturally, creating ideal conditions for slow ripening Arabica.
The estate is deeply shaded, with a dense canopy of native and endemic trees. During our farm visit, what stood out immediately was the living forest floor. Thick mulch from fallen leaves covered the soil, locking in moisture, feeding microbial life, and protecting the roots year-round. This is agroforestry at its most honest.
Arabica coffee grows alongside pepper vines under shade, encouraging biodiversity and long-term resilience. Ripe cherries are handpicked by a skilled local team and processed using modern equipment installed in 2014, improving consistency while preserving character.
KUPAKA is named after the Kupaka dynasty of South India, continuing our tradition of honouring southern dynasties through coffee.
This coffee reflects the estate’s commitment to environmental care, social responsibility, and economic sustainability, ensuring a legacy that goes beyond the cup.