ETHIOPIA Queen Of Sheba – Espresso

Queen of Sheba is our washed community coffee from Sidama Bensa, produced in collaboration with Daye Bensa. Cherries are sourced from smallholder farms across the highlands, growing at elevations reaching up to 2,100 masl. The altitude and cool climate slow cherry maturation, supporting clarity, sweetness, and structure in the cup.

At the washing station, lots are carefully fermented, washed, and dried to preserve a clean, tea like profile. The goal is consistency and precision rather than exaggeration. In the cup, Queen of Sheba shows bright lemon, blueberry, and a grounded black tea finish. A composed expression of washed Ethiopian coffee, shaped by high elevation farming and thoughtful processing.

This espresso from Five Elephant showcases the distinctive character of Ethiopian coffees from Sidama Bensa. The washed processing method preserves the bean's inherent brightness, allowing the producer Daye Bensa's crop to express clean, nuanced flavors. Roaster tasting notes point toward citrus acidity balanced by subtle dark fruit and tea-like qualities—a profile that demonstrates why this region remains central to specialty coffee appreciation. Whether pulled as a shot or used in milk-based drinks, this lot's bright lemon and blueberry notes offer complexity that rewards attention to flavor perception.