Danche - Anaerobic Honey
Description
MEET THE PRODUCER | You're probably getting pretty used to seeing Negusse Debela's name on our menu - he's the computer-guru-turned-coffee-producer who has been making all kinds of waves throughout the specialty coffee community in Ethiopia. Prior to 2008, Negusse was known as "the computer guy" in his hometown of Addis Ababa, where he ran a successful computer part import company. While in America on a business trip, he tasted a pourover at a café in Minnesota that changed the trajectory of his career - and the object of his entrepreneurial spirit.
Established in 2008, Negusse's new endeavor - SNAP Specialty Coffee - seeks to provide specialty Ethiopian coffees processed "consistently and exceptionally." They run or partner with several washing and processing stations throughout Ethiopia, including the two Worka Chelbessa washing stations in Gedeb. Today's release hails from Wate Danche, the second iteration of Worka Chelbessa and the site of some really remarkable achievements in Ethiopian processing methods.
TRUST THE PROCESS | Ethiopia isn't exactly known for championing experimental processing methods, but this anaerobic honey lot is proof that some producers are starting to branch out! After being hand-picked at peak ripeness and hand-sorted at the wet mill, the coffee cherries are packed tightly inside plastic barrels and left to ferment without oxygen for 96 hours. With the cherry still intact, they are then laid out on raised beds to dry for up to 10 days.
TAKE A SIP | Vibrant and complex, this coffee manages to showcase flavors influenced by its processing while maintaining an overall profile that is crisp and clean. Big fruits headline the show, but not the wild red ones you might be accustomed to experiencing in anaerobic coffees. Here, it's crisp pear and tinned peaches. With a florality reminiscent of honeysuckle and a drinking experience akin to sipping black tea with lemon, this coffee gives away its Ethiopian origins at the very first sip.
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Origin | Worka Chelbesa, Gedeb, Ethiopia
Producer | Negussee Debela, SNAP Specialty Coffees
Washing Station | Wate Danche
Process | Anaerobic Red Honey
Variety | 1974-1975 JARC selections, and local landraces
Elevation | 1900-2200 masl
