Tasting Notes: Cherry, Chocolate, Berry

Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom

Processing: Natural

Origin: Guji, Ethiopia

Producers: Guji Smallholders

Altitude: 2200m

When producing incredible natural coffees, the most important factor by far is the quality of coffee cherry before processing begins. This makes effective sorting and grading of the cherries paramount, especially in Egu Abaya where the coffee comes from different small-holder farms growing local heirloom varietals. Mill owner Israel Degfa has invested in floatation systems that separate the cherries out by grade, and a team dedicated to natural processing hand-sorts the highest quality grade 1 cherries before and during the drying phase to maintain consistency. Sorting and handling coffee during the drying phase is a delicate process - as it's easy to damage the fruit and interfere with even drying - but the crew at Egu Abaya are experts who produce some of our favorite natural coffees season after season - and this crop is no exception!

Natural processed coffees have a wide range of flavors - usually characterized by bright, fruit-forward profiles - and Egu Abaya doesn't disappoint. We're digging the strong cherry note that kicks off this cup, as well as the lighter, strawberry-like sweetness that fills in. Something we don't always find in natural processed coffees is a deeper, grounding flavor but in this lot we're picking up a smooth chocolatey note that gives the fruitier notes some backing. It's a natural for sure, but one that's a bit smoother and more composed - a real treat that we think does a great job of appealing to all tastes. So share this one with a friend - it's a day-maker for sure.