Apricots, zesty citrus, and delicate floral notes all in one cup? That’s exactly what this Ethiopian coffee from the Liberec-based roastery Nordbeans tastes like. Chelbesa coffee will delight you with its lightness, clean flavor profile, and pleasant fruity freshness. The sweetness of ripe apricots complements the livelier citrus acidity beautifully, while the floral aroma lends the entire cup an elegant, almost tea-like character. You can also detect hints of wild berries in the flavor. The result is a harmonious and refreshing coffee that’s perfect for your daily pour-over.
The coffee comes from the Gedeb area in Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe region, which is renowned for producing specialty coffees with a distinctive aromatic character. Behind Chelbesa are approximately 1,000 smallholder farmers who grow coffee trees on plots ranging from two to three hectares at elevations of 1 ,950 to 2,200 meters. They grow the local Korume and Wolisho varieties here and deliver their harvest to the Chelbesa One processing station. The station is operated by SNAP Specialty Coffee, which, in addition to processing the coffee, supports farmers by providing education on sustainable agriculture and soil care.
Chelbesa undergoes a washed processing method, which helps bring out the natural characteristics of the coffee beans. After harvest, the coffee cherries are first sorted in water to remove lower-quality fruits. They are then de-pulped and left to ferment in tanks for two to three days. After thorough washing, the beans, still in their parchment husks, are spread out on raised drying beds, where they are regularly turned to ensure even drying. This meticulous processing contributes to the clean and distinctive flavor profile so characteristic of washed Ethiopian coffees.
- Elevation: 1, 950–2,200 m above sea level
- Farm: Chelbesa One Washing Station