This Bekele Utute Natural Ethiopian is marvelous and a true novelty. Finding a Natural Ethiopian that doesn't have any funkiness from the natural processing can be a challenge. This coffee is clear, juicy with a ripe acidity.

We reached out to Christopher Feran and asked for his recommendations and the next few Ethiopians we are releasing came highly recommended.

Bekele Utute’s brother-in-law manages his farm in Kokose, which was the 5th place winner in the Cup of Excellence in 2021—a lot named after his nephew, Samuel, who manages Bekele’s Kokose drying station. At his farm, he grows primarily 74158, common to the quality-focused farms around Bensa. Like at his other drying station near Dembe—where he was born into a family of coffee growers—Bekele produces dry processed coffee at his Kokose site, which he purchased in 2019. He used to sell coffee to local suppliers before obtaining his export license in 2021, exclusively producing dry processed coffees (traditional naturals and anaerobics) for export to the U.S. and Korean specialty markets. This is our first import from Bekele Utute.

This coffee was processed naturally, ie using the dry method. In this method, after picking, the cherries are spread in a thin layer on concrete patios or on raised African beds where they are dried. Optionally, mechanical dryers are also used for further drying. The coffee must be turned regularly to prevent the formation of mold and unwanted fermentation. When drying is over, either in the sun or in a dryer, the skin is removed mechanically in a so-called dry mill.

The this gorgeous coffee reminds us of Nectarine, Blackberry, Grapes, Hibiscus, and Pineapple.

Transparency:

We paid Crop to Cup : $30/kg cad

Roasted Cost: $34.50/kg cad