EXP012: PEACH
This coffee is a great example of how subtle choices can make something feel both familiar and new. Sourced from smallholder farmers in southern Ethiopia, near Yirgacheffe, it shows off the region’s signature floral and bright character right away. The cup is clean and fruity without being sharp or aggressive, with a sweetness that carries through from start to finish. There's also a chocolate note underneath the florals and fruits that adds depth and keeps the coffee feeling familiar.
A big part of what makes this lot special is the white honey process, which is rare in Ethiopia. Most Ethiopian coffees are traditionally washed or natural, so seeing a white honey-processed lot from this region is unusual on its own. In this process, the cherries are depulped and only a very thin layer of mucilage is left on the parchment before drying. Compared to yellow or red honey processes, white honey uses minimal mucilage and dries more quickly, resulting in a much cleaner and more delicate cup.
Because of that approach, this coffee sits in a really nice middle space. It has the clarity and brightness people love in washed Ethiopian coffees, but with a sweetness that rounds out the cup. It is not funky or heavy, characteristics that can sometimes come with natural coffees.
This lot comes from Worka Chelchele, just east of Yirgacheffe town, and reflects the collaborative nature of Ethiopian coffee. Around 95 percent of coffee in Ethiopia is grown by smallholder farmers, and export-quality coffee relies on shared infrastructure like local washing stations and centralized drying and milling. A coffee like this represents the combined work of farming families, processing teams, and exporters all making the right decisions along the way.
What makes this coffee especially compelling is that the processing choice feels intentional rather than experimental for its own sake. The white honey process highlights the floral terroir and classic southern Ethiopian profile instead of overpowering it. You still get jasmine-like aromatics, bright fruits, and a clean structure, just with a little more cushion and sweetness in the body.
Overall, this coffee is about tradition and precision. It is approachable without being boring, expressive without being overwhelming, and different without trying too hard. For anyone who loves washed Ethiopian coffees but wants something just a bit softer and sweeter, this lot offers a clear window into what small process tweaks can do when they are used thoughtfully and with respect for place.