What are the Flavor Notes of Washed Yirgacheffe Coffee? Introduction to Yirgacheffe Coffee Bean Flavors

FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe Washed Romichi Flavor Introduction

Yirgacheffe's coffee trees were originally cultivated by European monks and later managed by farmers or cooperatives. The name Yirgacheffe actually covers a group of surrounding coffee communities and cooperatives, generally including Hafursa, Hama, and Biloya.

These mountain villages are wrapped in mist and enjoy spring-like weather all year. Summer brings gentle breezes, cool without being hot and rainy without being damp, while winter escapes frost damage. That is what nurtures the region's distinctive citrus and floral character. Coffee trees grow mostly in farmers' backyards or intercropped with other crops, and each household produces only a small amount, which makes this typical pastoral coffee.

The so-called "Yirgacheffe flavor" means an intense jasmine aroma, lemon or lime citrus notes, and peach and almond sweetness with a tea-like fragrance. When the coffee enters your mouth it is like a hundred flowers blooming. Beyond the floral notes, the delicate body feels like silk massaging the palate, creating a wonderful texture.

Characteristics: Lemon acidity, intense floral aroma.

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Romichi Washed 90+ Series

Flavor: Lemon candy, green tea, almond pastry

Coffee Bean and Origin Information:

• Country: Ethiopia
• Region: Yirgacheffe
• Producer: Local small farmers
• Altitude: 1750-2000 meters
• Variety: Ethiopian heirloom
• Processing: Washed process
• Grade: 90+

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

If the washed character described here is what you are after, FrontStreet Coffee's washed Yirgacheffe is the clearest place to begin. Often called the everyday-drinker Yirgacheffe, it is defined by white jasmine, bright citrus and lemon acidity, and a tea-like body, and its modest price is the reason so many people choose it as their first specialty coffee.

For a more specific expression of the same washed profile, FrontStreet Coffee's Gedingding cooperative coffee comes from the Worka area at the southeastern edge of Yirgacheffe. Because the fruit is removed before drying, the coffee's inherent aromas come through clearly, giving a citrus and lemon character with elegant white floral notes, bright and delicate throughout and free of the traditional bitter edge.

If you would like to hear what processing does to the same region, FrontStreet Coffee's sun-dried Red Cherry is dried with the fruit still attached for three to five weeks and turned every two to three hours during the first days. It keeps the classic Yirgacheffe flavor while adding tropical fruit, citrus acidity, a juicy berry quality, honey sweetness, and a creamy smoothness. Brew any of them as a pour-over with a V60: 15g of coffee, a 1:15 ratio, water at 90-91°C, and a grind about the size of fine sugar, poured in three gentle stages.