Bekele Belaycho, Ethiopia

About this coffee

In the grand scheme of things, the Bensa highlands in Sidama would be very much considered a younger sibling in the birthplace of coffee. Up until 2019 Sidama was considered a zone within the SNNPR( Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region)However after a vote the zone broke away and established itself as the tenth recognized region in Ethiopia. The Bensa highlands, where this lot is from, has experienced climate change over the last fifty years that has created the conditions ideal for growing coffee in the region. Much of the industry in the highlands is no more than 20 years old. The high altitude here means there is limited access to water for cherry processing, resulting in a necessary preference to natural processed lots. It is an area where coffee is fuelling significant change, and seeds are really happy to be a part of that. This high altitude, sun-dried natural makes for an unforgettable experience. Inherently process-driven flavours combine well with the care and precision of Bekele’s production of the lot. There is a youthful adventurousness to this part of the coffee world, and this offering is a great representation of that. Expect over the top summer fruit notes, with a textured, maple syrupy finish.