This coffee was grown by small, independent farmers, who cultivate their coffee near the village of Werka in the West Arsi region of Ethiopia. The majority of these producers farm organically on tiny plots of land, averaging just two hectares in size. At harvest time, they deliver their ripe coffee cherries to Testi Coffee’s Gara Kone washing station, where they are pulped and meticulously washed before being dried on raised beds in the sun.
West Arsi is a beautiful and remote region south of Addis Ababa, the capital. Up until recently, it was considered a part of the larger, more well-known Sidama region – but its proximity to the capital and its coffees’ distinctive flavours have led it to being recognized and celebrated as a unique region in itself.
The soil, topography and climate patterns of West Arsi are influenced by the stunning Bale mountain ranges to the east. The farms sit at very high elevations in the valley highlands, and enjoy high humidity and relatively cool temperatures. These conditions tend to produce coffees that are delightfully jammy and sweet, and have good weight and clarity – just like this one!
