Description

In Ethiopia's Southern Guji Zone, where coffee first emerged and still flourishes, the farmers of Dogo Sodu village are crafting some of the most remarkable naturally processed coffees we've encountered. At elevations reaching 2,200 meters, these heirloom varieties develop extraordinary complexity through careful cultivation and processing.

The story begins with meticulous harvest selection. Over 200 small-holder farmers, most tending less than two hectares, deliver only the ripest cherries to the Dogo Sodu mill. Each delivery undergoes flotation sorting before the cherries are moved to raised drying beds, where they spend 3-4 weeks developing their intense fruit characteristics while maintaining exceptional cleanliness in the cup.

At our solar-powered facility, we've developed a roasting approach that honors this coffee's remarkable complexity. Through careful heat application and development, we enhance its natural sweetness while preserving the delicate aromatics that make Ethiopian naturals legendary. We find this coffee particularly expressive at City to Full City roast levels, where its fruit notes harmonize perfectly with its spice and floral characteristics.

In the cup, expect an extraordinary progression of flavors that evolves as it cools. The initial impression is one of intense berry brightness – fresh red raspberry and strawberry notes – complemented by tropical fruits like mango and papaya. As the coffee opens up, layers of complexity emerge: aromatic rue herb, delicate Earl Grey tea notes, and warming baking spices create remarkable depth. Even at darker roast levels, the fruit intensity persists, transforming into concentrated berry preserves while maintaining perfect balance.

This coffee represents more than just exceptional flavor – it embodies Ethiopia's deep connection to coffee cultivation. Through our zero-carbon roasting approach, we honor both the careful work of Dogo Sodu's farmers and our commitment to environmental stewardship. The result is a coffee that demonstrates how traditional processing methods, when executed with precision, can create something truly extraordinary.