Salam Ethiopia!

Published 25 Jul 2023

It’s been another huge week at our Brunswick East HQ, with the first of our fresh crop Ethiopian coffees landing. Our team has cupped through landed samples to ensure each lot meets our strict quality standards — and we’re thrilled to report the coffees are tasting vibrant and distinct!

With the coffees approved, they will begin making their way out to customers around Australia. For those with reserves, give us a call or shoot us an email to book your delivery now. 

This year’s line-up was sourced from our longtime partner Testi Specialty Coffee during our visit to Ethiopia in January. We were excited to spend time with Testi’s team during the trip, having sourced coffee from four of their washing stations — Hadeso, Aroresa (Ayla), Werka and Jigesa — for the last five years running. 

The family-owned company focuses solely on specialty grade production across all 20 of their washing sites. After so many years featuring their coffee, we were delighted to finally meet founder Faysel Yonis in their Addis Ababa offices, and be joined by his nephew, Yisak, while travelling upcountry. Following the trip, we feel more aligned with Testi than ever and are excited to be showcasing so many of their lots in our 2023 line up!

While most of these offerings have now sold out, we still have coffees available from Hadeso washing station, along with two specially-prepared anaerobic lots from Yaye and Adorsi washing stations. Read on to learn more about these coffees, and get in touch to request samples if you’re keen to have a taste!

Hadeso Washed | Shakisso, Guji

We’re thrilled to be featuring Hadeso for another year, as they produce incredibly textural and delicious coffees. This year’s washed lot is juicy and sweet — reminiscent of a ripe nectarine! — with apple blossom frangrance, and red grape and toffee in the cup. 

Kurume & Wolisho | Washed | 8 x 30kg VacPack bags available 

Hadeso Natural | Shakisso, Guji

Similar to their washed lot, this year’s Hadeso Natural is exceptional. With a delicate floral aroma and rich white chocolate sweetness, this naturally processed coffee is clean and creamy, with notes of tropical fruits and yellow peach.

Kurume & Wolisho | Washed | 47 x 30kg VacPack bags available 

Yaye Natural Anaerobic | Arbegona, Sidama

At Yaye, Testi have developed a special technique that combines anaerobic fermentation and natural processing, using coffee cherry from some 300 independent outgrowers from the kebeles surrounding the nearby Tulecha mountain. 

By carefully fermenting perfectly ripe cherry, Testi have produced a lot that is complex and tropical, with notes of  lychee and umeshu, and a dark chocolate finish.

Landrace & JARC varieties | Natural | 4 x 30kg VacPack bags available 

Adorsi Natural Anaerobic | Aricha, Yirgacheffe

Located in the Yirgacheffe woreda, Adorsi was acquired by Testi in 2018 to operate as a premium site. This micro-lot is traceable to the kebele of Aricha & was fermented anaerobically & processed as a natural — resulting in a coffee with great intensity, winey acidity & notes of concord grape and plum.

Kurume | Natural | 4 x 30kg VacPack bags available