Tasting Profile: Milk chocolate, fruity, caramel

Ethiopia, often hailed as the birthplace of coffee, produces some of the most complex and flavorful beans in the world, and Sidama coffee is a shining example of this heritage. Grown by smallholder farmers in the Sidama Zone, located in southern Ethiopia, this coffee offers an extraordinary balance of flavors that highlight the country's rich coffee-growing traditions. Sidama coffee is prized for its intricate flavor profile, with notes of milk chocolate, bright fruit, and caramel, making it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

The Sidama region is known for its high-altitude farms, often located between 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with Ethiopia’s unique coffee-growing conditions—fertile soil, favorable temperatures, and consistent rainfall—helps produce beans with a vibrant and nuanced flavor. The smallholder farmers of Sidama take immense pride in their work, often cultivating coffee on small plots of land using traditional, sustainable farming methods passed down through generations. Many of these farms use organic and shade-grown practices, which not only protect the environment but also enhance the quality of the coffee.

In a medium roast, Sidama coffee’s natural complexity comes to life. The milk chocolate notes provide a creamy, smooth base, while the bright, fruity undertones and sweet caramel hints add a refreshing twist. This balance of sweetness and acidity creates a well-rounded cup that is both indulgent and lively. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate a layered coffee experience, where each sip offers something new.

Coffee plays a central role in Ethiopian culture, particularly in Sidama. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a ritualistic way of brewing and drinking coffee, is an integral part of social and cultural life. The process is slow and deliberate, with green coffee beans roasted over an open flame, ground by hand, and brewed in a traditional clay pot called a "jebena." It’s more than just a drink; it’s a communal activity that brings people together to share stories and build connections.

A fun fact about Ethiopian coffee culture is that Ethiopia is home to a remarkable genetic diversity of coffee plants, with thousands of wild coffee varieties growing in the country. Sidama’s coffees are often from indigenous heirloom varietals, contributing to their unique and intricate flavor profiles that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Ethiopia Sidama coffee is a celebration of its origins—a harmonious blend of rich flavors and time-honored growing traditions. With each sip, you experience the dedication of the smallholder farmers and the land’s natural gifts, from the smooth milk chocolate base to the fruity brightness and caramel sweetness. It’s a coffee that captures the heart and soul of Ethiopia, offering an unforgettable taste of its coffee heritage.

Tasting Profile: Milk chocolate, fruity, caramel

Grower: Smallholder farmers from the Sidama zone.

Variety: Indigenous Heirloom Cultivars.

Region: Sidama Zone, Ethiopia

Altitude: 1700-1900 M

Soil Type: Nitisols

Process: Full natural, sorted by hand. Dried on raised beds.

Roast: Med-light