Organic Ethiopia

Ethiopia is where coffee begins. Every cup traces its lineage back to this country, and the Nano Challa cooperative in the Gera region of Jimma — Western Ethiopia — is a reminder of why Ethiopian coffee remains the standard by which others are measured. Formed to give farmers direct governance over their own cooperative rather than selling through private mills and middlemen, Nano Challa is part of the Kata Muduaga Union, which handles marketing and international representation on behalf of its member cooperatives.

Grown at 1,900–2,100 masl in heirloom varieties, certified organic, and processed using a traditional washed method with raised-bed sun drying, this is a Grade 1 coffee that scored 91.7 — exceptional by any measure. The cup is layered and evolving: dark honey sweetness, stone fruit (peach, apricot), black tea, orange citrus, and a light floral hint. City roasts are impressively sweet and bright, with stone fruit flavors contrasting beautifully against the floral aroma. As it cools, fruited sweetness mingles with faint lemongrass and herbal hints. Darker roasts bring out rich bittersweetness and dark plum.

Tasting notes: Dark honey · Peach · Apricot · Black tea · Orange · Light floral
Roast range: Light to medium-dark · Washed process · 1,900–2,100 masl · Certified Organic / Fair Trade
Cupping score: 91.7 (Sweet Maria’s)