Ethiopia is the fifth largest producer of coffee in the world, and coffee makes up 30-35% of the country’s total export earnings.

Over 15 million people in Ethiopia work in the coffee industry, and coffee itself has been an integral part of Ethiopian culture for centuries. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a beloved cultural tradition that encourages bonding, community-building, and sharing wisdom. The coffee is brewed in a pot called a jebena (ጀበና), poured into small handless cups called sini, and served to guests.

Ethiopian coffee is mainly grown in the Limu, Sidamo, Harrar, Kaffa, and Yirgacheffe regions. The Yirgacheffe [yur·guh·chef] region is located in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia. The area has high humidity year-round, reaching up to 81% in the late spring and early summer. The region experiences the most rainfall
in April and May, and temperatures typically don’t rise above 82ºF. Yirgacheffe coffee is grown 1,500-2,000 meters above sea level in rich and fertile soil, an ideal environment for Arabica coffee plants to thrive in.

Yirgacheffe coffee is processed using one of two processes: wet (or washed) or natural. Coffee processed using the wet or washed process is more acidic and has citrus notes, while the natural process produces coffee that is sweeter and emphasizes fruity notes.

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee is renowned for its bright acidity, fruity, and floral notes. The acidity gives it an energizing and refreshing taste, while the medium body gives it a smooth and satisfying finish. The flavor profile typically includes vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon or bergamot, combined with hints of jasmine.

Some variations may have hints of subtle fruity flavors like peach or apricot. The intricate flavors, aromatic qualities, and medium-high acidity make Yirgacheffe almost wine-like.

Sheldrake’s Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is incredibly rich and especially fantastic when poured over ice. It’s perfect for purists who enjoy a robust, single-origin coffee, although it blends really well with other coffees!