Ethiopia - Organic Limu G2, Oromia

Always a pleasure to sip coffee in the paleontological wonderland where anatomically modern Homo sapiens most likely emerged, where the Solomonic Dynasty ruled virtually uninterrupted for 3000 years and the country which lays claims to the Ark of the Covenant. Touted as the historical genesis of coffee’s discovery by a lone goat-herder around 800AD, Ethiopia has a pedigree for producing the world’s most engaging and complex brews. Roughly the size of California and Texas, Ethiopia is bordered north by Eritrea, west by Sudan and South Sudan, south by Kenya, southeast and east by Somalia with Djibouti due east sandwiched by Eritrea and Somalia.  Eritrea, a 78-mile geopolitical barrier to the Red Sea, was traditionally part of Ethiopia however, marred by 30 years of brutal conflict, now stands independently defiant. This leaves Ethiopia perched in a precarious position, surrounded and land locked, amongst an unpredictable political milieu, however, the miracle of their coffee emerges in our cup.

Ethiopian Organic Limu G2 Oromia is a super interesting and delightful brew. Limu finds etymological roots in the Arabic word “qahwah” meaning “a drink from berries” and may find further connection to the Persian meaning “lemon or lime”. In the Jimma Zone, 220 miles southwest of the capital Addis Ababa in the Oromia Coffee Region where our coffee is grown, Limu refers to wash-processed beans, however, due to the prominent fruity citrus lime essence of our Limu G2, it seems more appropriate to be definitive of the typical flavor found in these regional coffees. The label “Limu” is more internationally recognized as a distinction based on terroir and shared flavor profiles rather than geographical boundaries. The area is home to the oldest variety of arabica coffee trees which are believed to be the original source of all coffee trees around the world. Small landholders, often on less than 2 acres, cultivate their small bounty of “garden coffee”, coming together at time of harvest, to process.

This is among the most special coffees we have experienced… the fruity lime citrus is extremely fine and pure from sip to sip to sip… the palate experiences an otherworldly clarity and vibrancy… there is a chocolaty undertone that enhances with no interference of the overall experience.  The lime is so prominent we found ourselves thinking of Caribbean Sea splashed beaches. Subtle floral and herbal notes will be experienced in a subtle free form flow… like a 1961 Bill Evan’s Village Vangarde improv. Clean, brilliant and so pleasing. Our sincere hope is you have a similar special experience. Limu G2 will put a finer point on and keener momentum in your day’s endeavor.

 Process: Wet… entire cherry fruit flesh is removed from the bean which is subsequently dried.

Elevation: 6234 feet