This exceptional coffee is exported through Ethiopia’s only female miller/exporter Asnakech Thomas, an exceptional woman. Native to the Amaro region, Asnakech decided in 2005 to return to her homeland to improve coffee quality, at her mill and in local communities. She is one of the few people to travel weekly between Addis and the coffee areas.
The Amaro Mountains are a small range separating the communities of Amaro on the eastern slopes from Nechisar National Park and the lowland tribal areas of Arba Minch in southwest Ethiopia, Sidama region. The local coffee varieties, relatively light population, waterfalls and highland bamboo forests are among the many unique features of the area. Amaro Gayo is a washing station where local growers bring their freshly picked, ripe cherry for processing.
Asnakech is said to be very strict in selecting which coffees will be processed at her washing station and mill, choosing only ripe and ready cherry. The final step in natural processing, drying, is critically important one. At Amaro drying is carried out on raised African beds, keeping the coffee clean and free of soil, while aerating it from top and bottom.
All Amaro Gayo coffee is certified organic, and prices paid for this coffee are at the extreme high end of market. This has helped in the development of social programs including possibilities for assistance with capacity building and coffee job creation, schools, clean water and medical care.
Cup Characteristics: creamy and thick body, chocolate, coconut, dried banana & very sweet berry – strawberry – flavours. Clean and consistent.
Altitude: 5200 feet
Processing Method: Natural
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Varietal: Heirloom
Harvest: October-February
