ROAST: LightORIGIN: Bensa, Sidama, EthiopiaNOTES: Pink Lemonade, Apricot, Black Tea with Lemon Alo Sidama Bensa Washed – Bright, Floral, and Pure Sidama A coffee born from ambition, precision, and belief in Sidama’s potential.This washed 74158 varietal from Alo Coffee is a showcase of Ethiopian excellence—bursting with zesty lemonade, soft stone fruit, and tea-like florals. It’s a cup that balances clarity and sweetness, carrying the hallmark elegance of high-elevation Sidama terroir. From Classroom to Coffee Fields Before Alo Coffee, Tamiru Tadesse was a university teacher and electrical engineer. He loved coffee but had seen too much of its challenges: unfair pricing, undervalued farmers, quality overlooked in favor of volume. Starting his own coffee venture felt risky—until Ethiopia’s first Cup of Excellence in 2020 changed everything. For the first time, exceptional Ethiopian coffee was recognized on a global stage. Tamiru saw the possibility of a new path: one where producers could be rewarded for excellence, and where Sidama’s coffee could stand among the world’s best. The Cup of Excellence Breakthrough In 2021, Tamiru and his wife Messi submitted their very first lot—carefully selected and processed from their home village of Alo. Against all odds, it didn’t just compete.It won Ethiopia’s Cup of Excellence. That victory was more than a medal. It was proof that hard work, precision, and belief could overcome entrenched systems. For Tamiru, it was the validation that dedication—not just tradition—shapes greatness. Why This Coffee Matters The 74158 varietal, cultivated at 2400–2500 masl, shines through the washed process with white florals, lemonade brightness, and a tea-like finish. But what makes this lot remarkable isn’t just its profile—it’s the story behind it. Each sip carries the spirit of a producer who challenged expectations, honored his community, and showed the world that Sidama belongs on the highest stage of coffee. Where Our Stories Met At this year’s SCA Expo in Houston (2025), we had the privilege of meeting Tamiru Tadesse in person. What began as a conversation over coffee quickly felt like the beginning of something much bigger—a shared vision, a mutual respect, and the start of what we know will be a wonderful friendship. This release is not just about sharing his coffee—it’s about celebrating the connection behind it, and the journey we now get to walk together. Flavor Profile – Pure Elegance ☕ Aroma: Jasmine and lemon zest with a sweet, honeyed undertone.☕ First Sip: Sparkling lemonade and peach juiciness.☕ Body: Clean and silky with medium-high acidity.☕ Finish: Long, black tea clarity with soft citrus aftertaste. Origin & Process 📍 Region: Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia👤 Producer: Tamiru Tadesse (Alo Coffee)🌱 Variety: 74158🚜 Process: Washed🏔 Elevation: 2400–2500 masl📅 Harvest: 2025 A Perfect Coffee Representing Ethiopia This washed Sidama is a classic with a modern story—bright, transparent, and aromatic. Brew it as a pour-over or iced flash brew to fully unlock its citrusy sparkle and peach-like sweetness.