Tasting Notes: Cherry, Chocolate, Berry

Tasting Notes: Cherry, Chocolate, Berry

Item information

Egu Abaya

Item information

Guji, Ethiopia

Description

Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom

Processing: Natural

Origin: Guji, Ethiopia

Producers: Guji Smallholders

Altitude: 2200m

When producing incredible natural coffees, the most important factor by far is the quality of coffee cherry before processing begins. This makes effective sorting and grading of the cherries paramount, especially in Egu Abaya where the coffee comes from different small-holder farms growing local heirloom varietals. Mill owner Israel Degfa has invested in floatation systems that separate the cherries out by grade, and a team dedicated to natural processing hand-sorts the highest quality grade 1 cherries before and during the drying phase to maintain consistency. Sorting and handling coffee during the drying phase is a delicate process - as it's easy to damage the fruit and interfere with even drying - but the crew at Egu Abaya are experts who produce some of our favorite natural coffees season after season - and this crop is no exception!

Natural processed coffees have a wide range of flavors - usually characterized by bright, fruit-forward profiles - and Egu Abaya doesn't disappoint. We're digging the strong cherry note that kicks off this cup, as well as the lighter, strawberry-like sweetness that fills in. Something we don't always find in natural processed coffees is a deeper, grounding flavor but in this lot we're picking up a smooth chocolatey note that gives the fruitier notes some backing. It's a natural for sure, but one that's a bit smoother and more composed - a real treat that we think does a great job of appealing to all tastes. So share this one with a friend - it's a day-maker for sure.

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Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Exemplary Ethiopian

Bright and acidic, Egu Abaya gets your attention from the first sip. I'm picking up on strong notes of blueberry reinforced by a deeper, robust cocoa backbone. Excellent selection for those seeking a classic example of an Ethiopian bean or for those who enjoy bright, fruit-forward coffees.

Ethan R

Sausalito

Member Since

October '15

4.0 out of 5

Zingy Natural

Several of my cups have opened with a little bit of tea-like dryness. The fruit notes are super evident and very very tart. Bitter, more "classic" body is present in a moderate amount. I've even picked up some toasty caramel flavors at times. Quite a lot going on and none of it bad. Worth picking up if you're a fan of naturals and not averse to some darker-than-fruity flavors in your cup.

Jacob MacDonald

Dallas

Member Since

April '18