Ethiopia Lalesa, Gedeb Yirgacheffe

The coffee
An anaerobic natural from the Lalesa washing station in Gedeb, Yirgacheffe. Grown by individual farmers at 2,150 to 2,200 metres and processed by Eptah Speciality Coffee, this lot carries plum, rose and milk chocolate through the cup. Roasted as an omni roast, suited to both espresso and filter.

The farm/producers
Eptah Speciality Coffee was founded by Wubit Bekele, an Ethiopian Q-grade certified cupper who spent years working for one of the country's largest exporters before starting her own company. In an industry where export businesses have traditionally been run by men, Wubit built Eptah around empowering women farmers, and she personally cups every lot the company buys and exports, including this one.

Eptah purchased the Lalesa washing station in 2023. The site sits at 2,200 metres and spans 3.5 hectares, with 400 raised beds used for drying. Farmers in the area grow regional landrace varieties and deliver their cherries directly to the station, where they're paid on the spot.

Eptah runs a series of initiatives supporting women in the local coffee community, covering education, financial literacy and access to financing, alongside leadership development. Through the Ama Commitment scheme, a portion of proceeds from coffee sales funds community projects for children. This year, that included renovating the local daycare established in 2023 near the Lalesa site.

The process
Whole ripe cherries were fermented in plastic barrels for 7 days under shade, then dried on raised beds for 13 to 18 days. Once dry, the coffee was stored at the Lalesa site before being transported to Addis Ababa for milling and export preparation.

Why we like it
Synonymous is a female-led roastery, and we can't help but to have a soft spot for other women working in this male-dominated industry. Learning about Wubit Bekele and the story behind Eptah Speciality Coffee was an easy bonus. But the coffee is what won us over first. This lot stood out on a cupping table full of coffees: juicy plum, delicate rose florals and a creamy chocolate finish. An easy, delicious cup, and a great addition to our current line-up.