Asnakech - Ethiopia COE #38

ROAST | LIGHT MEDIUM

ORIGIN | SEDA, YIRGACHEFFE, DEDIO ZONE, SNNP, ETHIOPIA

NOTES | RED RASPBERRY, BLACKBERRY, CANDIED ORANGE, RED GRAPE

When Anthony Ragler got his first job in coffee, he used the cash tips he made during his first training shift as a barista to buy diapers for his daughter before heading home. Fast forward a few years, and Anthony made finals at the 2020 US Coffee Championships in what was just his second year competing on that stage. And just last weekend, after a three-year hiatus, he placed third in the Denver Qualifiers, guaranteeing a spot in semi-finals at the 2023 USCC in Portland later this spring. But, before he'd ever heard of barista competitions or given any thought to making a career out of coffee, Anthony was just a dad, trying to provide for his family. 

As it turns out, he and the producer of this stunning natural lot from Yirgacheffe have at least that part of the story in common. Asnakech Tegegn Reta is a 70-year-old mother of five, a real matriarch in her community and the sole provider for her children. Self-described as having been "raised by coffee," Asnakech grew up on a coffee farm and now manages one of her own, but she never considered entering her crop in Ethiopia's Cup of Excellence until last year, saying she'd been inspired by the recent accomplishments of other female producers the year prior. With her very first entry, Asnakech placed 38th at the 2022 Ethiopia COE with this lovely lot from her farm in the Seda Village. In doing so, she has elevated both her name as a producer and the price being fetched for her coffees, enabling her to better provide for the people that mean the most in her world - her family.

Processing: This lot was processed on Asnakech's farm using traditional Ethiopian practices for natural processing.

In the cup: Complex and fruit-forward, this coffee reminds us of all the natural Ethiopian coffees we've loved over the years. Notes of red raspberry, blackberry, candied orange, and red grape dance around the palette like a fruity red sangria, reminding us that winter is on its way out and warmer days lie ahead. With this coffee, we say Cheers! to all the Asnakechs and Anthonys out there, who are utilizing coffee as a way of supporting their families, and also of telling their stories. 

Producer | Asnakech Tegegn Reta

Process | Natural

Variety | 74158

Elevation | Various