Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Artisanal Nolen Gur Focuses on Terroir
Senjuti Mahato and Abhishek Choudhury started a company called Earth Story Farms to make special nolen gur, a type of jaggery from Bengal.
They wanted to learn how the soil and weather affect the taste of nolen gur, just like how the place where grapes grow affects the taste of wine.
They found that the best nolen gur comes from old trees growing in gravelly soil that have been rested for a week.
They made a small batch of 300 bottles called 'Nolen Noir,' which has a unique flavor.
They also faced challenges like unseasonal rain and high moisture levels that affect the trees and the sap.
Other companies like Kwidi are also working to preserve the quality of nolen gur.
Earth Story Farms (ESF) specializes in artisanal nolen gur, focusing on terroir and soil science.
The best nolen gur sap comes from trees over 40 years old on gravelly soil, rested for 7-10 days.
ESF produced a limited edition of 300 bottles called 'Nolen Noir' with a unique flavor profile.
Challenges in nolen gur production include unseasonal rain, delayed winters, and high moisture levels.
Artisanal brands like ESF and Kwidi aim to preserve the quality and cultural significance of nolen gur.
- Who
- Senjuti Mahato and Abhishek Choudhury, founders of Earth Story Farms (ESF)
- What
- Production of artisanal nolen gur focusing on terroir and soil science
- When
- Research began in December 2023, with production in the following winter
- Where
- Segunsara, about 200km from Kolkata, and Bankura district
- Why
- To understand the influence of soil and weather on the flavor of nolen gur and produce a high-quality, limited edition batch
- Brand
- Earth Story Farms (ESF)
- Founders
- Senjuti Mahato and Abhishek Choudhury
- Location
- Segunsara, 200km from Kolkata
- Soil Types
- Laal maati (red soil), bele maati (sandy soil), moram maati (gravel soil)
- Best Sap Source
- Trees over 40 years old on gravelly soil, rested for 7-10 days
- Limited Edition
- 300 bottles of 'Nolen Noir'
- Flavor Profile
- Coconut-y, caramel, dried nuts, smoke
- Challenges
- Unseasonal rain, delayed winters, high moisture levels