Ethiopia: Hambela Benti Nenka

The Benti Nenka processing site is located in a village ("Kebele") of the same name within the Hambela Wamena region, Ethiopia's Guji Zone. This coffee is from Kedir Hassan, a proficient and capable engineer and station owner as well as coffee farmer. He's erected a few stations in Hambela Wamena region, some producing both washed and dry process ("naturals") coffees, and though Benti Nenka used to only produce naturals, they had wet process coffee last season as well. Of course, he did not complete these wet mills on his own, and thanks to his long-standing connection with the people in this area, he had much-needed community support on his side. Kedir splits bamboo reeds for constructing his drying beds, so they're flat and quite sturdy. You see a lot of chicken wire used at other sites, which tends to sag, creating uneven coffee layers. This lot is only comprised of coffee from the smallholders in the Benti Nenka area, whose farms span an altitude range of roughly 1900 to 2100 meters above sea level. This is another beautiful Farm Gate coffee.

Cupping Notes: Lemon and sweet lime citrus, freesia floral aroma, earth-toned teas like Pu'er and Yerba Mate

Brew Recommendations: Drip, French Press, pour over.

Farm Gate Coffee: Farmers paid at least 50% above Fair Trade

Varietal: Heirloom Cultivars

Region: Benti Nenka, Hambela Wamena, Guji

Altitude: 1900 – 2100 meters

Process: Wet processed (washed) and patio sun-dried on raised beds

Equity Pricing (EP) Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Sourced from the Benti Nenka area within the Hambela Wamena district of Guji, this Ethiopia offering from Keia & Martyn's Coffee showcases the distinct profile of the region. The coffee is comprised of Heirloom varieties grown at elevations between 1900 and 2100 meters above sea level. Under the stewardship of producer Kedir Hassan, the cherries undergo a washed process, a method often utilized to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean.

In the cup, this selection presents a complex interplay of bright citrus notes, such as lemon and sweet lime, balanced by a delicate freesia floral aroma. It also features deeper, earth-toned tea characteristics reminiscent of Pu'er and Yerba Mate. For those exploring the flavor wheel, these nuances reflect the diverse terroir found throughout Ethiopia. This lot serves as a refined example of how traditional processing and regional heritage shape the final sensory experience.