Ethiopia Tariku Kare

Tasting Notes: Floral, Peach, Honey

Several Smallholder Producers | Region: Sidama West Arsi, Nensebo, Ethiopia | Varietal: Heirloom | Mill/Washing Station: Refisa | Importer: Crop to Cup | Processing: Washed | Altitude: 2,200 MASL

Our average cupping score: 87

About the Producers

In Ethiopia's high-altitude Nensebo region, Refisa washing station sources from 593 smallholder farmers. Owner Tariku Kare's journey embodies perseverance, rising from a teenage sorter to a successful entrepreneur. After managing a station and navigating industry disruptions, he formed a company, then later built his own. Today, Tariku operates multiple sites, including Refisa, and prioritizes paying farmers a premium for their ripe cherry. This model incentivizes quality and supports the community, bringing the distinct, wild-varietal coffees from this new growing area to the international market.

What makes this coffee stand out

Tariku Kare pays a premium over local prices for ripe red cherry and works hard to incentivize farmers to deliver cherry to his washing stations each year. Paying a premium for coffee cherries is a direct investment in sustainability and quality. It immediately uplifts farmer livelihoods, providing financial stability that enables reinvestment in their farms—from better nutrition for trees to improved processing infrastructure. This economic incentive is crucial for encouraging the harvest and delivery of only fully ripe cherries, which is the foundational step for exceptional cup quality. Ultimately, the practice fosters a virtuous cycle: farmers are empowered to produce better coffee, which in turn commands higher prices, ensuring the long-term viability of the supply chain and the communities that depend on it.

Pour over recipe:

Ratio: 18g coffee, 274g water | Grind: Medium-coarse | Water: 200F

0:00 60 g bloom, gentle
0:45 200 g medium height, create agitation
(just before bed dries) 274 very gentle, very slow
Target brew time 3:15