ETHIOPIA YIRGACHEFFE CHELBESA VILLAGE
Cupping Notes:
A Pure Expression of Yirgacheffe
This wet-processed selection from Chelbesa Danche is an unmistakable and articulate expression of Yirgacheffe terroir, defined by precision, floral lift, and crystalline sweetness. From the first impression, the cup speaks with clarity and poise—floral, bright, and exquisitely detailed.
The aromatic profile opens with perfumed florals, evoking tuberose and jasmine, interwoven with the delicate sweetness of raw sugars. Subtle fruit confections emerge—suggestions of green apple candy—adding levity and charm. As the coffee unfolds, these florals become more expansive and layered, supported by sugars with a lightly toasted, caramelized edge, and nuanced accents of cinnamon and crystallized ginger.
On the palate, the coffee is elegant and immaculately clean, its sweetness acting as a unifying thread that carries the more ethereal top notes. Fresh flavors of apple and mixed fruit emerge as the cup evolves, accompanied by a remarkably complex aromatic presence. A delicate herbal nuance, reminiscent of fresh rue, plays in harmony with the jasmine-like florals, adding dimension without weight.
The structure is refined rather than forceful. Acidity is measured and tea-like, lending definition while allowing sweetness to remain the focal point. That sweetness is persistent and beautifully layered—beginning with the transparency of simple syrup, then unfolding into delicate honey, and finishing with a lingering impression of sugar cane and Earl Grey tea.
Chelbesa Danche is a coffee of finesse rather than excess, offering a clear and enduring expression of its origin. It is a study in balance, fragrance, and purity—an archetypal Yirgacheffe rendered with uncommon clarity.
FARM NOTES:
Danche is the name of a small hamlet within the town of Chelbesa, situated in the Gedeb District, one of the most prolific and revered coffee-producing areas in southern Ethiopia. This highland landscape is defined by semi-forested shade canopies and dramatic elevations ranging from 1900 to an extraordinary 2200 meters above sea level, conditions that favor slow maturation and remarkable aromatic precision.
The Chelbesa washing station, constructed in 2019, is a relatively new but already distinguished presence in the region. It is operated by SNAP Specialty Coffee, a group known for thoughtful investment in infrastructure and quality-driven processing. Chelbesa represents one of their most recent ventures, designed from the outset to elevate the clarity and elegance of the coffees produced here.
Given the cool temperatures at this altitude, the wet mill is equipped with ceramic tile fermentation tanks, chosen both for their ability to retain heat and for their hygienic advantages over more porous cement alternatives. During fermentation, the coffee is further insulated under protective tarpaulins, a practical adaptation to the region’s cold climate. Fermentation is carried out without water for 72 to 96 hours, allowing for controlled development before the mucilage is washed away and the coffee is transferred to raised drying tables.
Chelbesa sources cherries from nearly 500 smallholder farmers in the surrounding village, each typically cultivating very small plots, often with fewer than 200 coffee trees. This collective effort, combined with meticulous processing, yields a coffee of exceptional cleanliness and aromatic finesse.
The resulting fully washed coffee expresses the refined floral character long associated with Yirgacheffe, a natural reflection of Gedeb’s proximity and shared highland terroir. While the site itself is certified organic, this particular lot was not purchased under certification. Nevertheless, the cup profile remains one of striking purity—defined by elegant sweetness, lifted aromatics, and remarkable clarity—a modern expression of an ancient landscape, rendered with precision and care.
Estate & Processing Notes
Score: 93.1
Processing: Washed
Cultivars: Indigenous Heirloom Varieties
Grade: 1