Ethiopia Werka Nensebo Natural

Coffee Review November 2023:  93 points

Blind Assessment

Chocolaty, delicately fruit-toned. Baking chocolate, strawberry, lime zest, oak, narcissus in aroma and cup. Sweet, gentle acidity; very full, creamy mouthfeel. Baking chocolate and strawberry are front and center in the inviting finish.

Notes

Produced by smallholding farmers surrounding the Nensebo Washing Station, from local heirloom varieties of Arabica, and processed by the natural method (dried in the whole fruit).

Bottom Line

A balanced, cleanly natural-processed Ethiopia cup with a chocolate and berry throughline.

Description:

After cherries are floated in water as a quality check to remove “floaters”, they are spread over raised beds to dry. The coffee is constantly rotated on the beds to ensure even drying, and any underripe cherries are picked out during the drying process. Drying time for this coffee is approximately 15-18 days depending on the weather. 

We are blown away by the cup profile of this coffee! The perfect growing conditions, and attention to detail from the organic cultivation and picking to the processing, all come together to produce a beautifully unique cup. We note lots of berries (particularly strawberry) with a nice citrus acidity and soft, creamy body all wrapped up in a unique flavor of fresh yogurt.

Cupping Notes:

Fragrance and aroma of mixed berries and coconut, notes of strawberry and milk chocolate with a sweet aftertaste of dried fruit. Mild, orange-like acidity with a very creamy mouthfeel and medium-heavy body. Well balanced and delicious!