Ethiopia Musa Abalulesa - Wholesale

We Taste:  melon - dried apricot - vanilla bean - rooibos tea

Medium-Light Roast

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Please submit orders by 2:00 p.m. central time on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday for roast and ship on the following business day. Thank you!

FROM GUERILLA HIDEOUT TO COFFEE FARM: MUSA ABALULESA’S COFFEE HERITAGE

The story of Musa Abalulesa coffee business, like many others in Ethiopia, is closely tied to political upheaval and guerilla warfare dating back more than 50 years. Their guerilla father Abalulesa had a bounty placed on him by the communist Derg regime. After his death, when Musa was only 2, the family was awarded amnesty and land, which is now Musa’s coffee farm. 

Musa and his two brothers operate their own small farms in Gomma. He purchases and processes coffee cherry from 21 nearby smallholders in addition to his own. He farms organically and incorporates honey bees and crops like avocados. Musa and his brother Mustefa produce seeds to supply government seed banks. This diversification is important for his farm and livelihood.

It is difficult to maintain traceability on small farms in Ethiopia and direct market access for growers is rare. In 2006, Musa won a government competition and was awarded a hand pulper and cash, which he used to expand his farm. He found success in direct markets. However in 2008, the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange forced producers to sell to commercial markets for lower prices. Eight years later, export policy changes allowed direct market access again. Musa benefits from higher premiums which he is reinvesting in farm improvements like new seed-stock, shade structures, and additional drying beds.

This coffee is unique on our menu - we haven’t had many offerings from this area of the country. Jimma is known as the origin of the coffee species. This lot from Musa Abalulesa is comprised of specific JARC (Jimma Agricultural Research Centre) variety selections which are improved cultivars developed from local and regional heirlooms. Our flavor notes from Musa Abalulesa’s coffee are pleasantly earthy with delicate floral and tea-like notes, combined with spicy sweetness, dried fruit, and citrus.

Sourced from the Gomma district of Jimma, this Ethiopia Musa Abalulesa lot represents the meticulous work of producer Musa Abalulesa. The coffee features JARC variety selections, which are often developed for their resilience and cup quality in the region. As a washed coffee, this lot highlights the inherent characteristics of the bean, typically resulting in a clean, bright profile that allows delicate nuances to shine. In the cup, Ruby Coffee Roasters identifies notes of melon, dried apricot, vanilla bean, and rooibos tea.

When exploring coffees from Ethiopia · Gomma, Jimma, drinkers often find a distinct elegance that contrasts with the heavier, fruit-forward profiles found in other processing methods. To better understand how these specific descriptors align with broader sensory categories, you can reference the flavor wheel. This offering is curated by Ruby Coffee Roasters, showcasing their commitment to highlighting the unique terroir of Ethiopian producers.