Ethiopia | Chelbesa

Chelbesa succeeds Kelloo Bensa. Prepared as either espresso or filter coffee, it brings pronounced sweetness to the cup, complemented by a tea-like body and a touch of the floral character typical of Ethiopian coffees. It also makes harmonious, balanced drinks with milk.

Country: Ethiopia
SCA score: 88
KK score: 88.75
FOB: $12.67/kg
Region: Gedeb
Town: Chelbesa
Washing station: Ephtah
Owner: Wubit Bekele
Processing: Washed
Growing altitude: 2,150–2,200 metres above sea level
Soil: Red clay
Varieties: Mixed Heirloom

About the washing station and processing

The Chelbesa washing station is operated by Ephtah. It sits at an altitude of 2,200 metres on a two-hectare site with 150 raised drying beds. Ephtah supports women through educational programmes, financial-literacy training, access to financing and initiatives that strengthen women’s leadership in the coffee community.

The region’s microclimate and fertile soils provide excellent conditions for growing exceptional coffees with distinctive fruity and floral notes. Farmers mainly cultivate traditional heirloom varieties at altitudes of 2,150–2,200 metres. Only ripe coffee cherries are picked. At the washing station, the team carefully selects the best cherries, removing any that are unripe, overripe or damaged. This step is essential to the quality of the finished coffee.

Flavour notes: Mirabelle plum, whitecurrant, bergamot, honey
Roasted coffee (whole bean) – 250 g