Sharbo Maro

Purchasing coffee from a single farmer in Ethiopia is not unprecedented, but it remains relatively rare. Sharbo Maro is a member of Jabanto, a group formed in 2017 to make use of Ethiopia’s policy allowing smallholder farmers to independently export and sell their own coffees. Sharbo is one of a few Jabanto members with the infrastructure to wash coffee, making this offering all the more uncommon. The process accentuates sweet flavors of black tea, delicate floral notes, and a sparkling acidity reminiscent of limeade.    Pronunciation: SHAR-boh MAR-oh

Produced by Sharbo Maro in Ethiopia, this single-origin offering from Counter Culture Coffee highlights the refined profile often associated with the Sidamo region. As a washed coffee, the processing method emphasizes clarity and acidity, a hallmark of the traditional wet-processing techniques frequently employed in the country to showcase a bean's inherent characteristics.

In the cup, this lot presents a nuanced profile defined by black tea, delicate floral notes, and limeade. These descriptors align with the bright, tea-like qualities often sought after in high-quality Ethiopian selections. When evaluating these specific attributes, tasters may find it helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better categorize the interplay between the citrus-forward limeade notes and the subtle, aromatic floral finish. By focusing on the clean, crisp structure provided by the washed process, this coffee offers a sophisticated look at the distinct terroir of the Sharbo Maro farm.