FILTER OF THE MONTH: Heresy - Ethiopia Bensa Keramo Kebele Natural Filter 252 g

Whole-bean specialty coffee from Ethiopia, roasted by Heresy roasting brand. Light roast, perfect for filter coffee machines, drippers, Chemex, AeroPress, French Press, and other pour-over brewing methods. The brew resembles the flavour of flowers, blueberries, wine, and citrus fruit.

Country: Ethiopia

Region: Bensa

Farm: Keramo Kebele

Variety: 74158

Processing method: Natural

Altitude: 2050 m a.s.l.

Cupping Score: 87 / 100

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

For Nguisse, coffee cultivation is far more than just another agricultural activity. For many Ethiopians, coffee is a symbol, a source of national pride, and a way of life – and Nguisse, a finalist in last year’s Cup of Excellence, is certainly part of this group. His small farm of around 8 hectares is located in Bensa, which we consider one of the best regions in Ethiopia when it comes to quality potential. The farms here rise well above 2000 meters above sea level and are often planted with carefully selected, single botanical varieties.

ABOUT THE PROCESS

This is a classic natural process, a method that originated in Ethiopia, where coffee seeds are dried inside the whole cherry. Freshly picked cherries go through an initial selection to remove any with defects. The chosen cherries are then spread out on so-called “African beds” – long raised tables, sometimes stretching dozens of meters, with mesh foundations that allow air to circulate freely. This ensures even airflow throughout the process and results in consistent drying. Depending on the weather, the drying takes between 25 and 30 days.

ROASTER’S NOTES

This January marked our second visit to Ethiopia, but it was the first time we purchased coffee directly from Nguisse. Every summer, we eagerly await the arrival of the Ethiopian container, and this year’s lot from Bensa didn’t disappoint. This ultra-sweet coffee tastes just as good now as it did months ago on the cupping table in Addis Ababa – dense and creamy in body, with ripe blueberry, floral, and citrus notes. All wrapped in the winey character so typical of both the process and the region.

COFFEE OF THE MONTH

Every month we pick two coffee specials – one for the espresso lovers, and the other for the pour-over sippers. Working directly with the roasteries, we deliver freshly roasted, unique coffee beans – always of the highest quality, at the lowest price you can get. What you get is also a thorough review, description, origin, and brewing guide.

The aim of the project is to get you acquainted with speciality coffees and various flavours they offer. Check out the coffees of this month!