ORIGIN Ethiopia is an extraordinary coffee origin, and the most genetically complex of all. It is so important that it supports the trade balance of a country with more than 100 million people. It is also the main source of foreign currency income and is estimated that more than a quarter of the population depend directly on coffee production.

Known as the cradle of coffee, Ethiopia is home to the only place where coffee grows natively worldwide. Heirloom varieties are coffee plants that grow indigenously and there are thousands of varieties grown under the shade canopy of the sub-tropical rainforests. Thanks to high altitudes, coupled with ample rain, rich biodiversity and nutritious soils, Ethiopia's coffees offer up a kaleidoscope of flavour potential.

PRODUCER Located in the Gedeo zone of the Yirgacheffe region, Chelbesa is one of the finest coffee producing areas with the construction of a new wet mill in 2019 in a small hamlet called Dache within Chelbesa Village. This lot has been put together with the production of nearly 500 smallholders farmers delivering their ripe red cherries to the mill.

The Worka Chelbesa washing station utilizes the traditional washing process where coffee is de-pulped and fermented in water tanks for approximately 24-48 hours. After fermentation, the coffee is soaked in clear water to remove any remaining mucilage. After this short soaking period, the coffee is dried under the sun on raised beds for approximately 10-14 days until the desired moisture content is reached.

ROAST For the second year running, we are excited to see the return of Chelbesa to the roastery. Different to last year, this coffee is a washed coffee from the same processing station. Due to the high density of the seeds, we have used a highly energetic roast profile with an increased airflow to bring out the bright florals and fruitiness in the cup whilst enhancing the creamy mouthfeel that can be enjoyed across a range of brew methods.