Ethiopia — Yusuf Washing Station Nensebo JARC 74158 (Classic Natural)

Tastes Like — 🍊 Citrus Fruit • 🌴 Tropical • 🍇 Grape • 🍯 Sweet

DETAILS

• Producer: Yusuf
• Farm: Yusuf Washing Station
• Region: Nensebo, Ethiopia
• Varietal: JARC 74158
• Process: Classic Natural
• Altitude: 2400 MASL
• Harvest: 2025
• Size: 200g

INTRO

From the Nensebo region of Ethiopia, this Classic Natural from Yusuf Washing Station is a beautifully straightforward expression of high-altitude JARC 74158 at its most fruit-forward. At 2,400 metres above sea level — even higher than Rose's Boku lot — the cherries develop slowly and accumulate exceptional sweetness before harvest.

Rose note that a slightly warmer drying temperature on this lot amplifies the fruity notes, pushing citrus and tropical character to the fore. Perfect as an espresso or filter, and a natural fit for milk-based drinks, this is one of the nicest Ethiopian Naturals in their current range at any price.

THE PRODUCER

Yusuf Washing Station sits in Nensebo, a growing area of Ethiopia that has been attracting increasing attention from specialty roasters for the quality of its high-grown naturals. The station collects cherry from local smallholders during the harvest season, centralising processing on raised drying beds at exceptional altitude.

Rose Coffee Roasters were introduced to Yusuf through their long-standing relationship with Tamiru Tadesse Tesema of Alo Washing Station in Sidama Bensa — a sister origin in many respects, with both sites anchored by the JARC 74158 variety at extreme elevation. The 74158 variety was developed by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center from native Metu Bishari mother plants and is prized across Ethiopia for its natural sweetness, floral brightness, and exceptional cup potential.

THE PROCESS

The Classic Natural process at Yusuf Washing Station follows a careful raised-bed drying protocol that lets the terroir and variety speak clearly:

• 🍒 Cherry Selection — Ripe red cherries are hand-picked and floated to remove defective or underdeveloped fruit, ensuring only the best cherry enters drying.
• ☀️ Raised-Bed Drying — Whole cherries are spread across raised African beds and dried in natural sunlight. They are turned regularly throughout the day and covered during peak heat and overnight to ensure even, controlled drying.
• 🌡️ Slightly Warmer Drying Temperature — Rose note that a marginally warmer drying environment on this lot intensifies the fruity, citrus-forward character of the 74158 variety, pushing tropical and citrus notes to the fore whilst preserving sweetness.
• ✅ Final Sorting & Milling — Once target moisture is reached, dried cherries are hulled, sorted for defects, and prepared for export.

The result is a clean, fruit-forward Natural that honours the high altitude and the inherent sweetness of the 74158 variety without the added complexity of fermentation.

THE CUP

Bright and generous, the Yusuf Natural leads with citrus fruit and tropical sweetness before settling into a round, grape-like body with a clean, honeyed finish. Juicy and expressive as espresso or filter, and outstanding with milk.

Flavour Notes

• 🍊 Citrus Fruit
• 🌴 Tropical
• 🍇 Grape
• 🍯 Sweet