September 2022 - Where the Cup Did Summer Go?

September 2022’s Coffee Origin - Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Adame Gorbota

It feels like just yesterday that the mornings were warming and the nights were  ...come to think of it, the last three years have been a blur of seasons, so I guess summer is just around the corner (okay, maybe not)! 

With time flying by at ludicrous speed, we felt it would be nice to slow down and Cup a coffee from one of our favourite regions.  Often sited as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia produces some of the worlds finest coffees. When discussing Ethiopian coffee, the Yirgacheffe region will undoubtedly come up.  The subtle differences and intricacies of Yirgacheffe's origins are world renowned. We usually have half a dozen in the shop at any given time and are always looking forward to each years offerings.  This month, with your help, we are trying a new one, which will be added to Dark City's selections. This is our first selection from the Adame Gorbota Cooperative and we are looking forward to your feedback.

When you ask a Coffee Roaster; What was the first coffee that gave them an "I Was Today Years Old" moment? 
Yirg! will more often than not be the answer.
While Yirgacheffe (I've also seen it spelled Yirga Chefe and Yirgachefe), is a single district in Ethiopia's Gedeo region, it has become a blanket name for coffee's in the area. The name is associated with quality and characteristics that a roaster will use as their benchmark when cupping other origins. We've cupped a few Yirgacheffe's through Go Cup Yourself including a Worka, Konga, and Wenago, so here is number four ...Gorbota.

This Yirgacheffe coffee's name comes from Growers Cooperative (Adame Gorbota) and the Gerbota Suka Washing Station where it is processed.
Adame Gorbota is one of the 28 members of the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union. It has 1346 registered farmers cultivating 839 Hectares, with each farmer on average covering less than a Hectare. Even with such small farms and limited production, members are able to achieve Fair Trade and Organic certifications as well as access Union benefits such as loans for short term needs.  This is another case of a Cooperative creating something for a community where a single farm would be too small to even create a blip on the market. 

This month's coffee follows a similar path as the other Yirgacheffe's we've Cupped. After harvest, coffee growers from the Adame Gorbota Cooperative deliver their crops to the Gerbota Suka washing station either directly or through collection points. The cherries are then hand sorted and separated based on density and visual ripeness. Cherries that make the grade are then sundried for up to 21 days, absorbing the flavours and intricacies of the fruit. Dried cherries are then milled and sent to the processing warehouse for further sorting and packaging. There are a lot of hands that this coffee passes though and the work and time involved is impressive, but as usual we need to ask the only question that really matters to us ...how does it taste?

ETHIOPIA - YIRGACHEFFE - ADAME GORBOTA

Region: Gedeo Region - Gorbota Suka Washing Station
Varietals: Ethiopian Heirloom
Growing Elevation: 6300+ feet
Harvest: November through January
Process: Naturally Processed and Sun Dried
Flavour Profile and Notes: GO CUP YOURSELF and find out!

Roaster’s Notes:

Yup, it's a Yirg! As with many Ethiopian naturally processed origins, gentle is the key to an even roast. We will often start with a lower charge on the roaster and let these coffees come up slowly and evenly. Especially with a naturally processed cherry, the lower charge and slightly longer roast maintains the tasting notes without "baking" or over roasting the beans. This month's roast is on the lighter side of medium. It should allow you to articulate the flavours while maintaining a great everyday cup of coffee.

Cupping-wise, look for a Heavier Body than our last few offerings. Look for hints of Watermelon followed by …wait a minute, if you want cupping notes Go Cup Yourself!

Once you have finished Cupping, click on the “EXPERT TASTED” tab for our tasting notes. Can’t wait to compare notes.

As always, we'd love to hear from you. Better yet, tell the world what you think. If you've been enjoying the Go Cup Yourself experience, please take a moment to review us on Facebook, Google, Yelp, Reddit, a bathroom stall door or anywhere you get your reviews.