Origin - Ethiopia

Region - Gedeb, Guji Zone

Process - Natural

Producer - Gedeb area smallholders / Lalesa washing station / Ephtah Speciality Coffee

Altitude - 2150-2200m

Variety - Heirloom

Tasting notes - Peach tea / mango / chocolate

Lalesa is the washing station where this coffee is processed, based in the Gedeb area of Guji Zone in southern Ethiopia, purchasing coffee from nearby small-holder growers. The station is run by Ephtah - a community-focused exporter.

Established by Wubit Bekele, Ephtah is committed to delivering outstanding quality coffee while improving the lives of people within their communities, with particular focus on promoting the role of women as being the main drivers of positive social and economic change in Ethiopia. The company provides initial payments to farmers upon receipt of their coffee and then follow up with additional support through quality premiums, second payments, and assistance with school fees. Future investment plans include expanding this support scheme, building a water tank for flotation and increasing the number of drying beds at Lalesa station.

The coffee cherries were shade-dried on raised beds under forest canopy for around twenty five days. During the process the coffee is hand-turned every fifteen minutes - ensuring even drying and consistent quality. The natural processing delivers a relatively mellow acidity that pairs perfectly with the chocolate notes to give us a fantastically versatile coffee.