ALO CHILAKA NATURAL — SIDAMA, ETHIOPIA

THE CUP

Delicate, silky, and beautifully layered. This natural 74158 from Alo Chilaka Village opens with notes of blackberry and citrus, softened by violet florals and a hint of fig leaf. The finish lingers with the crisp sweetness of red grape, balancing clarity and complexity. A refined, graceful Sidama.

THE ORIGIN

Producer: Tamiru Tadesse
Farm: Alo Chilaka Village
Region: Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia
Variety: 74158
Altitude: 2,400 masl
Process: Natural
Harvest: December 2024 – January 2025

THE PRODUCER

Founded by Tamiru and Messi Tadesse, Alo Coffee has become one of the most exciting forces in Ethiopian specialty coffee. What began as a small operation in Bensa, Sidama, grew into a movement - one that champions precision, transparency, and the value of farmers themselves.

In 2021, Alo’s very first lot - from the village of Alo - won Ethiopia’s Cup of Excellence, a historic moment that redefined what was possible for smallholder producers in Sidama. Tamiru’s commitment to meticulous processing and his deep respect for the region’s terroir continue to shape a new standard for Ethiopian coffee, showcasing the purity, balance, and complexity that define his approach.

THE PROCESS

Cherries are hand-selected at peak ripeness and dried on raised African beds for approximately 27 days. To ensure even drying, cherries are turned every hour and shaded during the hottest part of the day (12–3 PM). Once moisture stabilizes at 10–11%, they are sealed in GrainPro bags to preserve aroma and rested for 45 days before dry milling. The result is a clean, aromatic natural with remarkable balance and depth.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This Alo Chilaka lot perfectly captures Tamiru Tadesse’s vision - a coffee that is delicate yet dynamic, floral yet structured. With its silky texture, crisp fruit, and lingering violet finish, it’s a testament to both Sidama’s exceptional terroir and the precision of modern Ethiopian coffee craft. A cup that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Flavour Notes: Violet, Nectarine, Blackberry, Grape, Fig Leaf

Net 200g

We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 8-12 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). 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.