Nensebo Refisa

Variety: Wolisho, Kurume

Processing: Washed

Origin: West Arsi, Ethiopia

Producers: Small-holders

Mill Manager: Negusse Debela

Altitude: 1850-2000m

This incredibly floral and smooth coffee comes to us from the hamlet of Refisa in the West Arsi zone of Ethiopia. The coffees are grown by local small-holders and processed at the communal washing station managed by Negusse Debela. Coffees in this area are primarily Wolisho and Kurume - two cultivars that are wide-spread enough and distinct enough to be discerned amongst all the other landraces that make up the "Ethiopian Heirloom" category. Wolisho plants are taller and tend to produce larger cherries, while Kurume plants tend to be smaller and yield more cherries than other plants. After being hand-picked, cherries from these two types of plants were washed in fresh spring water and dried on raised beds for 20 days to acheive an even moisture content.

The resulting coffee is distinctly Ethiopian in flavor - with a strong stonefruit note reminiscent of apricot and plum. A delicately floral jasmine note rises from the brew, and a smooth, sweet, caramel tone fills in the body of the cup to round out the experience. This coffee is certainly what fans of great African coffees are looking for: Sweet and smooth with a touch of fruit-forward acidity. We'd suggest brewing a big pot and having some friends over, but this coffee is so good you might not want to share. Cheers!