Ethiopia Aricha Wubanchi Handbrew Single Origin - The Washed Pretender

Sourced from around the town of Aricha, this exceptional Grade 1 Yirgacheffe coffee is produced by smallholder farmers who nurture their coffee trees amidst the rich ecosystem of Gedeo County. Grown at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,200 meters, this coffee is grown on small family lots, where wild coffee strains mix with cultivars. The residents band together during harvest and ensure that the quality of the beans is maintained in order to get a better price at the washing station. The Wubanchi washing station isn't the closest in the area, but gives better prices for higher quality coffee.

Ripe cherries are delivered to the wet mill for careful sorting and pulping, followed by fermentation for 36-48 hours, depending on the weather. After fermentation, the parchment coffee is thoroughly washed and graded by bean density before being sun-dried on raised African beds for 10-12 days, until it reaches the ideal moisture level. During the day, the parchment is periodically raked and turned for even drying. It is covered from 12 pm to 3 pm to shield it from intense sun and at night to protect it from rain and moisture. The result is a coffee with complex fruity layers and clean, refreshing notes.

The Washed Pretender is a bold, single-origin handbrew coffee from the Aricha area. This blend of wild and cultivated coffees doesn't fit into our neat hereditary classification system, but its royal lineage is perfect for those who rebel against the ordinary.

Drinking Notes

• Mango. Despite being a washed coffee it has some tropical fruit depth to it.
• There's a light citrus here that is more lemon zest than lemon.
• We get stone fruits in the direction of ripe peach and apricot.

Why Choose This Coffee?

This coffee is perfect for those who seek out the wonderful wild flavours of coffee's birth nation. Its bold, layered flavours are a standout, making it an ideal choice for hand-brew enthusiasts looking for something clean with a fruity punch. The careful processing ensures a balanced, clean cup every time, with the assurance that you're supporting smallholder farmers who prioritise quality and sustainability.

In Brief

• Producer: Various smallholders
• Region: Yirgacheffe
• Altitude: 2000-2200 masl
• Varietal: 74110, 74112
• Process: Fully washed
• Flavours: Mango, lemon zest, apricot