Aricha - Washed Landrace - Ethiopia

MEET THE PRODUCER

The Aricha Washing Station sits high in the heart of Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia’s legendary coffee-growing region, where lush forests, fertile volcanic soil, and generations of experienced farmers converge to produce some of the world’s most celebrated coffees. Yet, despite its ideal setting, Aricha nearly disappeared from the map a decade ago—abandoned, underfunded, and on the brink of ruin.

That changed in 2018, when Faysel Abdosh, founder of Testi Coffee, saw potential where others saw decay. With a deep belief in Yirgacheffe’s legacy, he purchased the dilapidated washing station and set out to restore it. After more than a year of dedicated work—rebuilding infrastructure, re-establishing relationships with local farmers, and implementing rigorous quality standards—Faysel succeeded.

Within just a year, the reborn Aricha Washing Station began producing award-winning lots, celebrated for their exceptional clarity, complexity, and floral vibrancy. Today, Aricha stands as one of the shining stars of Yirgacheffe, known for delivering coffees that exemplify Ethiopia’s unmatched terroir.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Microlots from smallholder farmers in the Aricha community are delivered daily during harvest to the wet mill, where they are hand-sorted for ripeness and quality. The cherries are then de-pulped and processed using Ethiopia’s traditional washed method.

After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed with clean water and spread on raised African beds to dry in the open sun. Throughout drying, workers regularly turn and cover the parchment to ensure even drying and to protect it from rain and midday heat. Once the coffee reaches its ideal moisture level, it is rested before export—preserving the delicate florals and sweet acidity that Yirgacheffe coffees are prized for.

TAKE A SIP

This lot is a quintessential washed Yirgacheffe—bright, elegant, and sweetly expressive. The cup opens with soft, fragrant florals, followed by a lively acidity and a nostalgic lemon cookie sweetness. Midway through, a stone fruit nuance emerges—yellow peach—adding both depth and a silky texture. The finish lingers with dark honey, balancing vibrancy and richness beautifully.

It’s a refined and classic Ethiopian cup—approachable yet intricate, comforting yet endlessly engaging.

Origin: Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
Producer: Various smallholders in the Aricha community
Washing Station: Aricha Washing Station (Testi Coffee)
Process: Washed
Variety: Kurume, Wolisho, various landraces
Elevation: 1900 MASL

Tastes Like: 🌸 Soft Florals · 🍋 Lemon Cookie · 🍑 Yellow Peach · 🍯 Dark Honey

What is the roast recency?

We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 6-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12 - should we have any left in stock!). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.