The Barn Coffee Roasters: Nano Challa, Ethiopia (Filter)
Rating: 92/100
Roast: Medium
Body: Heavy, rounded
Acidity: Mild, citrus
Notes: Dark chocolate, orange peel
Aroma: Vanilla, citrus
This week, we'll continue to delve deeper into the origins of our coffees, starting right from the seed. The Nano Challa Cooperative is a perfect example of your quintessential, farmer-focused coffee co-op. These farmers have stayed close to the traditional planting methods of their ancestors and have brought a wide range of native varietals in from around the region, culling them over generations of coffee farmers. These farmers plant at an altitude of between 1900 and 2200 meters, and have done a fine job balancing agriculture and conservation of the nearby Oromia Forest for centuries. It is rare that you will find such a traditional, true agrarian society as that of the Gera District, home to the Nano Challa Cooperative. In 2010, Nano Challa purchased an upgraded Penagos 500 depulping machine to aid in their wet milling process. In more recent years, they have been able to add another depulper, and pay off the debts of the two machines. As the cooperative continues to grow, the farmers continue to maintain the highest respect for their land and devotion to the quality of their crop.
Moving on to our cupping evaluation and flavor assessment. Preceded by a floral aroma of lilac and coffee blossom, this coffee rides all the way through on a heavyset, bright acidity backed with a medium light body. I picked up distinct notes of orange peel and dark chocolate; the Barn's assessment generally agrees: 'Peach. Vanilla. Floral.' Of course, the under/overtones that you detect will vary from cup to cup and from brew to brew; my favorite method for this Ethiopian was a standard Aeropress. This brewing method preserved the light fruitiness of the coffee while avoiding overdoing the heavy body of the coffee. Make sure not to overdo your water temperature on this one; I made this mistake with my French press run, resulting in a very dark and acidic cup. Overall, this coffee was highly satisfactory, with not too much acidity and not to much heaviness of body. A solid, flavorful, aromatic Ethiopian that gets great variability from brew to brew and cup to cup. I'd love to hear your feedback on how your cup tastes; shoot me an email at [email protected].
C. Lulu's Libations L
Thanks for reading this week's specialty coffee review. This week we're continuing our origins-focused format; I love researching and learning all that I can about the country and people that make our favorite coffees possible! Next week we'll finish off our segment on the Barn Coffee Roasters select coffees; make sure to check out their website and roastery here!
C. Lulu's Libations L
Thanks for reading this week's specialty coffee review. This week we're continuing our origins-focused format; I love researching and learning all that I can about the country and people that make our favorite coffees possible! Next week we'll finish off our segment on the Barn Coffee Roasters select coffees; make sure to check out their website and roastery here!