Ethiopia Mr Ocholo Bedecho (Filter)

Mr Ocholo Bedecho farms 8 hectares in the Guji zone of Oromia, about 12 km from the small town of Haro Wachu. By local standards that's a big holding, and it's a family operation through and through. He's the father of eight, two daughters and six sons, and the whole family works the farm full time. Through coffee alone he's put every one of his kids through school, and they still help out in the field once the school day is done.

This lot is part of Cafe Imports' Single Farmer Project, which means it's traceable straight back to Ocholo's farm, with his name on the contract and the price agreed directly with him. For an Ethiopian coffee, that level of traceability is still rare.

Flavour notes

Apricot. Orange. Toffee.

A Grade 1 washed coffee from heirloom varieties grown at 2200 to 2300 metres, which is exactly where you get this kind of clarity and fruit without any heaviness.

You've got questions, we've got answers.

Is this only for filter?

Yes. This one's roasted specifically for filter brewing so the fruit and acidity stay bright and defined. V60, Kalita, batch brew, Aeropress or a gentle plunger, that's where it shines.

Why washed instead of natural?

The cherries are picked ripe, depulped the same day, fermented for 8 to 12 hours, then washed clean and dried slowly on raised beds. Stripping the fruit before drying gives you a cleaner, more precise cup. So instead of jammy berry, you get crisp apricot and orange with a toffee sweetness underneath. It's the classic Ethiopian profile, done properly.

What makes Guji different?

Guji used to be lumped in with Sidama, but it's been its own region since the early 2000s. Very high altitude, rich red soil and small growers tending coffee gardens rather than big plantations. The result tends toward fruit, deep chocolate and light florals, and this lot sits right in that sweet spot.

What does Grade 1 mean?

It's the top grade for Ethiopian coffee, based on how few defects turn up in the beans and how the coffee cups. Grade 1 means it's been sorted and screened to the highest standard before it ever leaves the country.

Will it be too sharp?

No. It's juicy rather than sour. The apricot and orange bring brightness, but the toffee rounds it out so the finish is sweet, not tart. If you've found some Ethiopians too lemony, this one's more forgiving.

How does it taste?

Apricot up front, orange through the middle, and a toffee sweetness on the finish that lingers. Clean, juicy and effortless to drink black, cup after cup.

Specs

Origin: Ethiopia
Region: Guji (Arsosala, Urga district)
Farm/Producer: Mr Ocholo Bedecho
Variety: Heirloom Ethiopian Varieties
Process: Washed, Grade 1
Altitude: 2200 to 2300 MASL
Harvest: November to January

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