Coffees from the Gedeo Zone run the flavor gamut from syrupy stone fruit to perfume-like floral tea. This cup, with its aromas of peach, bright green apple, and sweet graham cracker, has found a delightful balance. The body is soft—several of us described it as cloud-like on the cupping table—with a gentle navel orange acidity. Look for notes of Earl Grey, pear, and peach rings, with an undertone of papaya and green grape. Tea and graham persist through the finish.

94 Points from Coffee Review, October 2020! "A delicate, spice-forward washed Yirgacheffe cup with deep, sweet-herbal aromatics."

4.5 Stars from Roast Ratings, September 2020!

Details

Producer: METAD Agricultural Development PLC - Banko Gotiti Washing Station
Farm: Smallholders
Region: Gedeo Zone
Altitude: 6,235-6,890 feet
Varietal: Heirloom
Process: Washed 
Roast: Light
Notes: Peach, Earl Grey, Graham Cracker

The Story

This coffee is sourced from METAD Agricultural Development PLC. METAD is a third-generation family-owned business with a rich history that began after World War II when the Ethiopian Emperor awarded Muluemebet Emiru, the first African female pilot and family matriarch, with land in the Guji and Sidama zones that has become the Hambela Coffee Estate.

METAD is managed by Aman Adinew, who returned to Ethiopia after many years working abroad at the executive level for multiple Fortune 500 companies because he wanted to make a difference for his family and community. Through Aman’s leadership, METAD has strengthened the local community with employment opportunities including a workforce that is over 70% women, educational opportunities including university scholarships and sponsorship for a state-of-the-art elementary school with more than 700 students, and healthcare for employees.

METAD was also first to partner with Grounds for Health in Ethiopia to implement a successful cervical cancer screening program for women within the coffee-growing communities. METAD has an expanding Out-grower program designed to provide technical assistance, share modern farming equipment, and provide certification programs for more than 5,000 local farmers who are paid premiums for their cherry and second payments after coffee is sold. Quality and certification premiums have also helped METAD build roads and community centers. METAD has the first and only private state-of-the-art SCAA certified coffee quality control lab on the African continent used to train both domestic and international coffee professionals.