A floral and refreshing coffee with flavour notes of strawberry, wine gums, and dark chocolate. Best enjoyed with a nice view.
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
REGION: Sidama Region, Guji
ALTITUDE: 2226 MASL
PROCESS: Natural
ABOUT THIS COFFEE
The producers of this coffee lot are members of the Shantawene Kebena community, where the local languages Sidaamu and Amharic are spoken. Shantawene village is nestled between the village of Bombe and the majestic Bombe Mountain. As is customary throughout much of Ethiopia, the coffee growers in this region are predominantly smallholders, often referred to as “garden farmers.” This term originates from their practice of cultivating coffee in gardens surrounding their homes. Additionally, many farmers harvest coffee cherries from trees naturally growing on their residential land. This natural occurrence of coffee trees in Ethiopia, widely recognised as the birthplace of coffee, highlights the nation’s rich coffee heritage.
The region surrounding Shantawene experiences two distinct rainy seasons. The first, known as Belg, occurs during a short rainy period from late February to May. Following Belg, the main rainy season, called Kiremt, spans from June to September. Annual rainfall typically ranges between 47 and 78 inches, significantly contributing to the lush vegetation and fertile soil ideal for coffee cultivation. These alternating rainy seasons are crucial, providing the moisture necessary for coffee plants to thrive and produce high-quality cherries.
The Bensa district lies within Ethiopia’s renowned coffee-producing Sidama region. This area is celebrated for its exceptional coffee beans, sought after by specialty coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Bensa is particularly noted for its optimal coffee-growing conditions, including high altitudes, fertile soils, and a favourable climate—all contributing to the remarkable flavour profile of its coffee. Coffee cultivation in Bensa is typically carried out by smallholder farmers employing traditional methods, including hand-picking ripe cherries during the harvest season.
