Chelbesa Espresso - Ethiopia, Gedeb

RED CURRANT - JUICY - LEMONADE

Variety: Dega & Wolisho Processing: Washed Altitude: 2100 m.a.s.l. Harvested: January 2026 Taste notes: Juicy and sweet with notes of red currant and lemonade

In december 2019 we left Gothenburg for a trip to Ethiopia. During our week there we traversed the birthplace of coffee and it's majestic mountains. We came to the Chelbesa station by motorcycle, due to heavy rains, and the contrast from our dockside roastery, right at sea level, to the incredible 2100 meters was stunning. Here the producers' neighbouring semi-forrest lots and gardens had some of the most even and beautifully deep red coffee cherries we saw all week. They were also some of the sweetest and most delicious ones we've ever tried, and the attention to detail while they were being sorted at the station was second to none. Adding all of this together, we just knew we had to share their coffee with you and are very proud to do so once again this year.

Whole beans roasted for espresso.

Sourced from the Gedeb region, this Chelbesa Espresso is a testament to the distinct character of Ethiopian heirloom varieties. Produced by Morgon Coffee Roasters, the lot features a blend of Dega and Wolisho varietals. These plants are often celebrated for their ability to express the unique terroir of their high-elevation growing environments.

The coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight a clean, vibrant acidity and refined clarity in the cup. By removing the fruit flesh before drying, producers can emphasize the inherent qualities of the bean, often resulting in the bright, citrus-forward profiles—such as red currant and lemonade—noted by the roaster. For those looking to better understand the nuances of these flavor descriptors, consulting a flavor wheel can be a helpful tool in identifying the specific sensory markers present in this balanced, juicy espresso.