Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Aricha G2 Washed (2019 Crop)

This is a washed grade 2 Ethiopian coffee from Aricha washing station in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia.

THE PRODUCERS

The coffee was cultivated by some 650 smallholder farmers in the town and surrounding area of Aricha, Yirgacheffe district. These farmers occupy an average of 2ha land each at altitudes of between 1,900 & 2,100masl and deliver coffee cherries to Aricha washing station, managed by Cherab na Betesebu.

THE PROCESS

Ripe cherries are delivered to the wetmill for careful sorting and pulping, before fermentation for 36-48 hours, depending on the climactic conditions. After this point the parchment coffee is thoroughly washed and graded by bean density before being dried in the sun on raised African beds for 12 - 15 days (until the ideal moisture level has been reached). In the daytime the parchment needs to be raked and turned peri- odically to ensure a consistent drying process. The coffee is also covered between 12pm and 3pm to protect it from the hot sun, and at night time to protect it from rainall and moisture. Once the coffee has dried to the right level it is transported to Addis Ababa for dry-milling, grading, intensive sorting and handpick- ing, before being bagged in GrainPro for export.

THE REGION

The 'kebele' (village) of Aricha is in Yirgacheffe district, in the ‘Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples’ (SNNP) region of Ethiopia. Over a number of years the region has developed a distinguised reputation for fine coffees, producing some of the most sought-after microlots in the world. The combination of high altitude (up to 2,200m in some areas), fertile soil, consistent and plentiful rains, and an abundance of local knowledge are all contributing factors to the high status of Yirgacheffe coffees. The indigenous ‘heirloom’ varietals - which grow wild in Ethiopia - are responsible for the unique flavour notes which make for an unusual but beautifully refined cup, characterised by strong citric acidity, sweet chocolate and floral/herbal notes of lavender, jasmine, bergamot and thyme.