Ethiopia, Dry Processed - Sulladjah

Visiting Abana estate in November of 2022, our first day on the farm we walked a large portion of the property. Walking all the way up to Sulladjah and back down to the base of the farm. “Sulladjah” is the name that was given to the highest part of the farm around 2,200 meters. It is about an hour hike up to the top of the mountain from the main base of the farm. On this relatively steep hike we had to avoid stepping into ant colonies that were swarming around the thick clay path. This was difficult because all you wanted to do was look around at the vast forest and hilltop views. We even saw the occasional monkey swinging from trees. Once we made it to the top we entered Sulladjah where we met a community of people that live and work that area of the farm. It is an extraordinary place with dense forest and a natural fresh water spring that emerges straight out of the mountain side creating a small waterfall. They have created an irrigation system from this water source that stretches down the mountain. This area consisted of steep hillsides and large shade trees.

The Sullajdah lots were processed immaculately with traditional Ethiopian washed and natural methods. They boast very clean, complex, and sweet flavors indicative of Ethiopian coffee. Florals are always apparent with beautiful brightness and structured acidity common in our coffees.

Sourced from the Abana estate, this Ethiopia, Dry Processed - Sulladjah lot represents the distinct character of high-elevation cultivation at 2200 masl. Roasted by Lineage Roasting, this selection highlights the traditional Ethiopia profile through a natural processing method. While natural-processed coffees often exhibit heavier fruit-forward profiles and increased sweetness, this specific offering presents a refined balance of caramel and fig.

Understanding how these processing techniques influence the final cup is essential for any enthusiast exploring the flavor wheel. By allowing the coffee cherry to dry intact around the bean, the producer encourages the development of deep, jammy sugars that define the cup’s character. This lot serves as a focused example of how careful estate management and traditional drying practices can elevate the inherent qualities of Ethiopian heirloom varieties, resulting in a cup that is both approachable and deeply expressive of its origin.