Danche - Washed

MEET THE PRODUCER | You're probably getting pretty used to seeing Negusse Debela's name on our menu. He's the computer-guru-turned-coffee-producer who has been making all kinds of waves throughout the specialty coffee community in Ethiopia for nearly two decades. Prior to 2008, Negusse was known as "the computer guy" in his hometown of Addis Ababa, where he ran a successful computer parts import company. While in America on a business trip, he tasted a pourover at a café in Minnesota that changed the trajectory of his career—and the object of his entrepreneurial spirit.

Established in 2008, Negusse's new endeavor, SNAP Specialty Coffee, seeks to provide specialty Ethiopian coffees processed consistently and exceptionally. They run or partner with several washing and processing stations throughout Ethiopia, including the two Worka Chelbesa washing stations in Gedeb. Today's release hails from Wate Danche, the second iteration of Worka Chelbessa and the site of some really remarkable achievements in Ethiopian processing methods.

TRUST THE PROCESS | After being handpicked at peak ripeness, the coffee cherries are delivered to Wate Danche by local farmers in Gedeb. There, they are first floated to remove lower density beans before being de-pulped and sorted by density. The remaining beans are then subjected to 36 hours of underwater fermentation. After this, they are thoroughly rinsed and spread out on raised beds to dry in the sun for 10–14 days, or until optimal moisture content is achieved.

TAKE A SIP | This cup embodies everything we love about washed Ethiopian coffees: it's squeaky clean, bursting with florals, and reminiscent of attending high tea in London. With notes like white flowers, yellow citrus, honey, and black tea, this coffee is everything we expect a washed Ethiopian coffee to taste like - and nothing that we don't. It's a straight-over-the-plate, lovely example of a coffee that is dear to our palates, from a washing station that's close to our hearts.

Origin | Gedeb, Gedeo, Ethiopia

Producer | SNAP Specialty Coffees

Washing Station | Wate Danche

Process | Washed

Variety | Ethiopian landrace varieties

Elevation | 2200 MASL

Sourced from the Gedeb district in the Gedeo zone, this Danche lot represents the classic profile of Ethiopia · Gedeb, Gedeo. Produced by SNAP Specialty Coffees and roasted by Black & White Coffee Roasters, this selection features Ethiopian landrace varieties grown at 2200 masl. Because this coffee undergoes a washed process, the inherent characteristics of the bean are highlighted without the influence of fruit-forward fermentation typical of natural-processed coffees.

In the cup, this Danche lot presents a delicate profile of white flowers, yellow citrus, honey, and black tea. These descriptors align with the nuanced, tea-like clarity often sought in high-elevation Ethiopian coffees. To better understand how these specific attributes relate to the broader spectrum of coffee quality, you can reference the flavor wheel. This washed offering serves as a refined example of the region's ability to produce clean, aromatic, and bright profiles that remain balanced from the first sip to the finish.