Ethiopian espresso can be wild, juicy, and unforgettable—and that’s exactly what TheNaughty Dog roastery’s Ethiopia Taferi Kela is like. From the very first sip , it reveals a sweet and vibrant peach flavor, gradually complemented by notes of white flowers, caramel cake, and a subtle hint of black tea. This coffee has a higher, elegant acidity that doesn’t come across as sharp; on the contrary, it adds liveliness and juiciness to the cup. In an espresso, it’s beautifully creamy, with a long, sweet aftertaste and a clean flavor profile that will keep you coming back for another sip. If you’re tired of run-of-the-mill, characterless chocolatey coffees, this Ethiopian harvest from January 2025 will remind you why Sidamo is so highly prized among specialty coffee lovers.
The Sidamo region is one of Ethiopia’s most iconic coffee-growing areas and rightfully holds the reputation of being the source of some of Africa’s most complex coffees. High altitudes between 1,900 and 2,100 meters, fertile soil, and significant differences between day and night temperatures create ideal conditions for the slow ripening of coffee cherries. It is precisely this that gives the local coffee its typical floral aroma and distinctive sweetness. The Taferi Kela processing station is located in the heart of this region and works with smallholder farmers from surrounding villages who harvest only fully ripe cherries. The local Hadicho community is known for its hard work and traditional craftsmanship with clay and bamboo, yet it also faces challenging living conditions. This makes the emphasis on high-quality coffee production all the greater, as it represents a vital source of livelihood and an opportunity for a better future for many families.
The clarity and precision in the cup are ensured by the washed processing method, which beautifully highlights the floral aroma and juicy fruitiness of Ethiopian coffees. After harvest, the pulp is removed from the coffee cherries; the beans are then fermented in water, thoroughly washed, and dried on African beds. The result is a transparent flavor profile with clearly defined notes of peach, the lightness of white flowers, and a clean tea-like aftertaste without any distracting fermented notes. In an espresso, this gives you a velvety body, a sweetness reminiscent of caramel fudge, and a pleasant freshness that keeps the entire cup perfectly balanced. This is Ethiopia—a coffee that can captivate both seasoned coffee geeks and those who want to taste for the first time just how diverse the world of specialty coffee can be.
- Processing station: Taferi Kela
- Altitude: 1,900–2,100 m a.s.l.
- Harvest: January 2025