"Blueberry, grape, apricot, mango, and delicate florals define the dry aroma. On tasting, blueberry jam, Kyoho grape, and mango dominate, followed by soft strawberry, peach, and bergamot. A smooth oolong floral finish adds depth to this rich and expressive profile."
Elias Kare is one of several dedicated smallholder farmers working in Rumudamo and Arbegona, regions where coffee has been cultivated for generations using traditional, sustainable practices. Through a single-farmer program, Elias is able to present his coffee with full traceability, highlighting his craftsmanship and helping secure premium prices that support both his family and the wider community.
This lot originates from the highland micro-plots of Rumudamo, a territory strengthened by the success of producers like Daye Bensa, whose back-to-back Cup of Excellence wins established the region as a benchmark for clean, expressive natural coffees. Elias contributes to this reputation with careful harvesting, selective sorting, and close attention to drying in the cool high-altitude climate of Arbegona.
His far sit at approximately 2,200 masl, where dense forest canopies, loamy volcanic soils, mist-covered mornings, and wide diurnal temperature shifts create ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation. These environmental factors promote higher sugar concentration, dense seed structure, and clean fermentation dynamics.
The lot consists of indigenous Ethiopian heirloom varieties, including local selections within the broader 741 lineage. These cultivars are known for their small, dense beans, strong disease resilience, and excellent performance in natural processing at extreme elevations.
Cherries are handpicked at peak ripeness and undergo flotation to remove underripes and debris. They are dried naturally on raised African beds for 15–20 days, with frequent turning to ensure even dehydration. Shade netting is applied during peak afternoon hours to slow drying and preserve clarity. Once the cherries reach 10–11% moisture, the lot is rested in conditioned warehouses before dry milling, grading, and preparation for export.
Variety : Heirloom
Altitude : 2200 masl
Process : Natural
Origin : Rumudamo