02 · Origin
Reading an Ethiopian Lot
Behind every exceptional coffee is a set of details that tells its story.
A specialty coffee label can contain a surprising amount of information.
Region. Producer. Variety. Altitude. Process. Harvest.
These aren't simply technical specifications. Together, they help explain where a coffee came from and what shaped its character.
Origin
Ethiopia holds a unique place in the world of coffee.
Its extraordinary genetic diversity, high-altitude growing regions and long coffee tradition allow Ethiopian coffees to express an enormous range of flavours.
Even within Ethiopia, coffees from different areas can taste dramatically different.
That is why simply writing “Ethiopia” on a bag only tells part of the story.
Altitude
Many exceptional Ethiopian coffees grow at high elevations.
Cooler temperatures can cause coffee cherries to mature more slowly, allowing the seeds inside to develop greater density and complexity.
Altitude alone does not determine quality, but combined with the right climate, soil and agricultural practices, it can contribute to remarkable coffees.
Variety
Coffee isn't one single plant variety.
Ethiopia contains an immense diversity of coffee genetics, including local landraces and identified varieties.
These genetics influence everything from the plant itself to the flavours that may eventually appear in the cup.
Process
After harvest, coffee cherries must be processed.
Natural, washed and other processing methods can create very different expressions from coffees grown in similar environments.
Understanding the process helps us understand part of what we're tasting.
The complete picture
No individual number or specification defines an exceptional coffee.
A high altitude does not guarantee quality. A particular process does not guarantee flavour. A score cannot tell the entire story.
The details matter because together they provide traceability and context.
But ultimately, one thing matters most.
The cup.
For ORIGIN 01, the final lot details will be revealed once our selection is complete.