We sourced the Ethiopian Yirgacheffee Chelchele Lot 1 Organic via Nordic Approach in collaboration with Rosetta Roastery.

Ethiopian Coffee

The western Ethiopian forest, which stretches into South Sudan, gave rise to the Arabica coffee plant. Thanks to its rich biodiversity, high altitudes, and deep-rooted coffee traditions, Ethiopia remains one of the most exciting origins for specialty coffee. Smallholder farmers grow heirloom varietals in semi-forested environments, using methods passed down through generations. They typically deliver their cherries to communal washing stations, where skilled teams process them with great care—resulting in clean, complex, and expressive coffees.

Because Ethiopia’s regions vary in microclimate and farming practices, each area—and often each washing station—produces coffees with unique profiles. For example, Sidama offers citrusy brightness, while Yirgacheffe delivers floral elegance. As a result, Ethiopian coffees continue to set the global benchmark for quality and complexity.

Beyond the cup, Ethiopians celebrate coffee through a traditional ceremony that involves roasting, grinding, brewing, and serving in a social and ritualistic setting.

Yirgacheffee – as a region

Yirgacheffe has earned its reputation for producing exceptional specialty coffee. Although it lies within the broader Sidama region, it stands apart due to the distinct character of its coffees. Farmers grow these coffees in natural, forest-like environments on the region’s highlands, where altitude and biodiversity work together to enhance flavour.

What truly sets Yirgacheffe apart is its taste. Washed coffees from this region showcase floral and citrus notes, with a complexity that keeps each sip engaging. This was one of the first regional coffees that inspired our journey, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts—not just because we visited, but because it remains unmatched in the world of specialty coffee.

Chelchele

Chelchele is a washing station located in the Gedeb district, just south of the Yirgacheffe town. This area is known for producing some of the most floral and refined coffees in Ethiopia. The station works with hundreds of smallholder farmers who cultivate heirloom varietals at altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,200 metres above sea level.

The cherries are hand-picked and delivered daily to the station during harvest. After sorting, they undergo a traditional washed process: pulped, fermented for 36–48 hours, washed in clean water, and then dried on raised beds for 10–12 days. The result is a coffee that is clean, vibrant, and layered with floral and citrus notes.

Chelchele’s reputation for quality is well established, and Lot 1 represents an early harvest selection—often prized for its brightness and clarity. The station is also certified organic, ensuring sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Tadesse Desta Business Group

This lot was sourced through Tadesse Desta Business Group, a quality-driven Ethiopian exporter known for its hands-on approach to coffee sourcing. The group manages the supply chain from farm to export, ensuring that only the highest-grade coffees are selected and prepared. Their operations are certified for organic farming and comply with Rainforest Alliance (RFA) standards, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical practices.

This Yirgacheffee Chelchele Coffee

Our brews:

Transparency Information

Sources

• Nordic Approach – Ethiopia sourcing information.
• Rewrites by Co-pilot