Ethiopia Kochere, Chelelektu (Washed)

 

Sourced from Chelelektu wetmill in Kochere district, this Grade 1 washed coffee represents the pinnacle of Ethiopian highland terroir. Managed by Legese Kebede, the mill processes cherries from approximately 650 smallholder farmers cultivating plots between 1,900–2,100 meters—among the world's highest coffee elevations. Following selective harvesting, cherries undergo meticulous processing: careful sorting, pulping, and 36–48 hour fermentation calibrated to local climate conditions. The parchment is then thoroughly washed, density-graded, and sun-dried on raised African beds with precise management—periodic turning during daylight hours, midday shade protection, and nighttime coverage. After transport to Addis Ababa for final dry-milling, grading, and hand-sorting, the beans reveal the distinctive character of indigenous heirloom varietals: vibrant citric acidity interwoven with sweet chocolate undertones and refined floral and herbal aromatics of lavender, jasmine, bergamot, and hops—a refined expression of Gedeo's celebrated coffee heritage.