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In your cup: A complex and satisfying coffee with plenty of sweetness as well as juicy tones that remind of raisins and plum. A base of that remnids of black tea gives an interesting tannic profile that lingers deliciously on the tongue.
Cupping score: 88
Mouthfeel: Elegant, soft
Varietal: Heirloom
Process: Natural
Producer: Tariku Kare
Altitude: 1900 - 2150 m.a.s.l.
Region: Oromia
Background:
High in the hills of southern Ethiopia, the Tariku Coffee Farms sit between 1,900 and 2,150 meters above sea level—an altitude that plays a defining role in the cup. This is the heart of Sidama, where slow-growing, indigenous heirloom varieties develop remarkable clarity and character. The result is a coffee that feels both vibrant and composed: naturally sweet, gently winey, with soft spice and a bright, balanced acidity.
Harvest takes place from October through January, with cherries selectively handpicked at peak ripeness.
Whether processed as a clean, expressive washed lot or a fruit-forward natural, like this one, great care is taken at every stage. Fresh spring water, fertile red-brown soils, and a stable highland climate all contribute to a layered profile—think delicate florals, ripe fruit, and a smooth, rounded sweetness.
Behind the coffee is Tariku Kare, whose journey reflects the same patience and precision found in the cup. Starting as a cherry sorter at just 15, Tariku worked his way up through every stage of production before building his own washing stations. Today, he pays premiums for high-quality cherry and supports hundreds of local farmers, creating both incentive and opportunity within the community.
Tariku’s impact goes beyond coffee. His operations provide employment for over 600 seasonal workers and 20 permanent staff, with a strong focus on opportunities for women. He also reinvests in the community—funding school materials for children and offering training to help farmers improve quality and access wider markets.
This is coffee shaped by altitude, care, and commitment—where every cup tells a story of craft, community, and steady ambition.