The Journey Begins
The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the crisp morning air as we touch down in Addis Ababa. Our journey to the birthplace of coffee began long before this moment – it started with a simple cup that sparked our curiosity and led us on a quest to discover the true essence of Ethiopian coffee.
As the sun rises over the Ethiopian highlands, we prepare for our expedition into the heart of coffee country. Our mission is clear: to forge direct relationships with local farmers, understand their centuries-old cultivation methods, and bring their exceptional beans to our customers while ensuring fair compensation for their craft.
Ethiopian Coffee Heritage
Ethiopia's relationship with coffee runs deeper than anywhere else in the world. Legend tells of Kaldi, a goat herder who discovered coffee's energizing properties when his goats became unusually spirited after eating bright red berries from a certain tree. This discovery, dating back to the 9th century, marked the beginning of coffee's journey from these highlands to becoming a global phenomenon.
Today, Ethiopia remains the only place where coffee still grows wild in its natural habitat. The country's diverse microclimates and rich soil create perfect conditions for cultivating some of the world's most distinctive coffee varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile shaped by generations of careful cultivation.
Meeting the Farmers
Our journey takes us to the Yirgacheffe region, where we meet the families who have been cultivating coffee for generations. Each farmer we encounter shares stories passed down through centuries, speaking of their deep connection to the land and their commitment to preserving traditional farming methods.
We spend days walking through the coffee forests with local farmers, learning about their organic farming practices and the challenges they face. Their expertise in identifying the perfect moment to harvest each cherry, their careful attention to processing methods, and their dedication to quality control at every step is truly inspiring.
Our Selection Process
Selecting the perfect beans for our signature blends involves a meticulous process that combines traditional knowledge with modern quality control. We participate in countless cupping sessions, where we evaluate each lot of coffee for its aroma, flavor, body, and overall cup quality.
Our selection criteria go beyond just taste. We look for beans that tell a story – ones that capture the essence of their origin, the dedication of their farmers, and the unique characteristics of their growing conditions. Each bean we choose must meet our strict quality standards while reflecting the authentic flavors of Ethiopian coffee.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us – it's a commitment we make to both the environment and the communities we work with. We've implemented various initiatives to ensure our coffee sourcing practices contribute positively to both the local ecosystem and the farmers' livelihoods.
Our partners use shade-grown cultivation methods, maintaining the natural forest canopy that provides habitat for local wildlife. We also support water conservation projects and organic farming practices that help preserve the rich biodiversity of Ethiopia's coffee forests for future generations.
Our Signature Blends
The culmination of our journey is reflected in our signature blends, each telling its own unique story of Ethiopia's coffee heritage. From the bright, floral notes of our Yirgacheffe blend to the rich, complex flavors of our Sidamo selection, every cup we serve carries the essence of its origin.
Our master roasters work tirelessly to develop roast profiles that highlight the distinct characteristics of each bean variety. Through careful attention to temperature and timing, we bring out the best in every batch, ensuring that each cup of coffee we serve honors the dedication of the farmers who grew it.
Experience Our Ethiopian Collection
Visit our café to explore our complete range of Ethiopian coffees and experience the result of our journey firsthand. Our baristas are always happy to share more stories about our sourcing adventures and help you discover your perfect cup.
View Our Coffee Menu