TOUR THE WASHING STATION | Aricha Washing Station is located high in the coffee-growing mecca of Yirgacheffe, where conditions like fertile soil, mountainous forests, and seasoned farmers provide the ideal conditions for growing excellent Ethiopian coffee. However, the washing station itself nearly fell into ruin about a decade ago, and it was all but forgotten until a man named Faysel Abdosh saw its promise and decided to take a chance. He purchased the washing station in 2018 and spent more than a year reviving it, adding it to the long list of high-elevation washing stations he owns and operates through his trading company, Testi Coffee. Faysel’s efforts were rewarded a year later as coffees coming out of Aricha Washing Station won awards and gained the attention of specialty exporters. Today, it is regarded as a darling of Yirgacheffe, known for consistently rolling out complex, floral delights in one of Ethiopia’s most beloved coffee-growing regions. TRUST THE PROCESS | After arriving at the wet mill, microlots from smallholders throughout the Aricha community are combined together, sorted for quality, and undergo traditional washed Ethiopian processing protocols. After this, they are spread out on raised African beds to dry in the sun, until optimal moisture content is achieved. TAKE A SIP | With vibrant acidity and an unapologetically sweet side, this coffee is an excellent example of washed Ethiopian coffee in general and of Yirgacheffe coffee in particular. It’s tea-like in texture, reminding us of black tea sweetened with honey. It smells lightly floral and sips like lemonade, making it the perfect morning companion to those who long for summer to linger on forever. Origin | Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia Producer | smallholders in the Aricha community Washing Station | Aricha Process | Washed Variety | Kurume, Wolisho, and various landrace selections Elevation | 1900 MASL
