Radiant in Winter

The Ethiopia Single Origins Behind Our Winter Blend

On the eve of the new year, we went back to coffee’s birthplace, Ethiopia, where indigenous Arabica varieties are cultivated and grow wild. Ethiopia is renowned for textbook versions of two kinds of coffee that our Winter Blend unites. 

Like a virtuosic duet between two jazz greats, Winter Blend pairs an aromatic washed-processed coffee with a jammier natural-processed one. Fans of Blue Bottle will recognize this pairing as one of our favorite go-tos for special occasions. This one has a special radiance, likely thanks to the natural Ethiopia, says our Director of Quality, Benjamin Brewer.

During this process, coffee fruit is dried directly onto the seed so it has a higher concentration of fruit esters and sugars. “The process brings deep-fruited, almost boozy port-wine-like notes to the blend,” Brewer says. The washed process keeps the blend from feeling too heavy and creates a beguiling perfume. It’s a blend fit for the darkest but most celebratory days of the year. 

ORIGINS

Ethiopia Limu Duromina Washed
This coffee has all of the flavors you would expect from a great washed Ethiopian coffee, including florals, black tea, and citrus. What really spoke to us were the coffee’s stone fruit and tropical characteristics. The acidity is also incredibly complex, reminding us of nectarines, pineapples, and passion fruit. In the blend, this coffee brings perfume and a citric brightness. Formed in 2010, the Duromina Cooperative consists of about 300 producers, growing coffee on small family farms. By focusing on meticulous processing, they are creating incredibly high-quality coffee and setting the standard for the region.

Ethiopia Gedeb Daniel Miju Natural
We partnered with our friends at Royal Coffee to source this single-producer lot from farmer Daniel Miju through the Worka Cooperative. Just a few years ago, lots like this would have been impossible to create as regulations in Ethiopia's coffee sector prevented working directly with individual producers. This lot brings plenty of tropical fruitiness and a solid tartness to match. On a more classic note for a natural Ethiopia, there’s a pervasive raspberry flavor. Less traditional but deeply intriguing is its sage-like herbaceous note.