Koke Shalaye Yirgacheffe

Koke Shalaye is a Grade 1 Arabica coffee processed at the Koke Shalaye washing station in Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia. The coffee is grown at elevations around 1,973 metres above sea level. It is produced by 1890 smallholder farmers cultivating heirloom varieties such as JARC 74110, 74112, and 74165. The coffee is processed using various methods, including natural, washed, honey, anaerobic, and carbonic maceration techniques. This lot was processed with the natural anaerobic method, which contributes to its complex and expressive flavour profile. Tasting notes include citrus, dark chocolate, and tropical watermelon finish.

The Koke Shalaye washing station is located in the Koke kebele of the Gedeb district in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia. The region is known for its fertile volcanic soils and high altitudes, providing ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The station processes cherries from a community of over 1890 smallholder farmers, who typically cultivate coffee on small garden plots. The area is renowned for producing expressive and complex coffees, with the Fetay River running through the region, contributing to the area's unique terroir.

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica, with coffee cultivation dating back several centuries. According to legend, coffee was discovered in the 9th century by a young goat herder named Kaldi in the Kaffa region. The plant is now grown in various parts of the world; Ethiopia itself accounts for around 17% of the global coffee market. Coffee production in Ethiopia is a longstanding tradition, and the country remains a significant player in the global coffee industry.