Roasting May 27th ONLY (8oz Bags)

White Label Ethiopia Uraga Raro Boda

Tasting Notes: mixed berry, juicy fruits, floral, jammy

Suggested Brewing Method:  French Press, Drip, Moka Pot

And now for something…  completely different.

Ethiopian coffees often offer two delicious but distinct profiles from which to choose—the thick and textured berry, chocolate, and spice-heavy character of the traditional naturals, or the lighter, more nuanced floral and delicate tea-like qualities of the washed. The Uraga Raro Boda we present for May’s White Label is that rare treat for the indecisive among as it is bursting with the juicy fruit flavors of the best Ethiopian naturals yet complimented by the scented floral aromas and cleaner, more delicate brightness of a quality washed.

Ethiopia holds a special place in coffee’s history and lore as legend has it that a thousand years ago a goatherd named Kaldi first discovered the energizing properties of coffee when his goats behaved excitedly upon eating the cherries from coffee trees along his route. Ethiopian coffees remain famous today for the unique cup character produced by the myriad heirloom varieties that still flourish throughout the country.

For this lot, a selection from those abundant native varieties is brought to the Raro Boda washing station from surrounding smallholder farmers in the Uraga area of the Guji growing region. These farms average less than 1 hectare of coffee each, with some reaching heights close to 7500 feet above sea level.

The cup delivers an impressive variety of fruit flavors in addition to the mixed berry/blueberry typical of dry processed Ethiopians. Here the berry is very present and forward but tempered by notes of stone fruit like apricot nectar, tropical fruits like papaya, and livened with hints of citric grapefruit acidity. Jammy and juicy with a medium milk-chocolatey body, it is also free of the earthiness that often accompanies bigger bodied naturals of this ilk, instead carrying delicate floral fragrances that brighten the overall effect of the cup. 

Light, floral overtones associated with washed Ethiopian coffees compliment and even highlight an impressive array of fruit flavors in this cup of Uraga Roro Boda natural, providing a “best of both worlds” type of coffee experience we hope you take this opportunity to enjoy.

Variety:  heirloom cultivars

Region:  Guji

Farm:  smallholders around Raro Boda, Uraga
Altitude: up to 7500 feet
Process:  natural, dried on raised beds