(Photos courtesy of Coffee Shrub. Map courtesy of CoffeeHunter.com)
 
From the lofty, sun-drenched highlands of Ethiopia's Guji Zone comes the remarkable Kercha Hobe, a coffee that speaks to the ancient traditions of Ethiopian coffee cultivation. Sourced as green beans from our supplier, the Coffee Shrub, this exceptional coffee is expertly roasted by us, highlighting the unique terroir of the bean.
 
This particular lot originates from the Hebo village within the Kercha Woreda (district), a region celebrated for its incredibly high-altitude coffee farms. The coffee is processed at a private washing station situated at a staggering 2,150 meters above sea level, with some of the contributing family farms reaching even greater heights of up to 2,250 meters. This extreme elevation slows the coffee cherry's maturation process, resulting in beans that are exceptionally dense and bursting with complex sugars and vibrant flavors.
 
The Hebo washing station employs a traditional dry-processing method, where the coffee cherries are meticulously hand-sorted for ripeness before being laid out to dry on raised beds under the Ethiopian sun. This natural process allows the sweet, fruity mucilage of the cherry to impart its essence directly into the bean, creating a cup profile that is both intensely fruit-forward and deeply nuanced.
 
When roasted, Ethiopia Kercha Hobe reveals a captivating bouquet of tasting notes. As described by Coffee Shrub, drinkers can expect a symphony of dark berry and rich cocoa flavors to take center stage. Look for specific notes of dried blueberry and a rustic fruit compote, all underscored by a luscious dark chocolate character. The coffee boasts a silky, elegant body and a complex aromatic profile that can include hints of fragrant herbs and earthy undertones, a true testament to its wild and distinguished origin.
 
Tasting notes: Blueberry, rustic dark chocolate, and earthiness