Chelbesa, Filter - Ethiopia | Therefore Coffee

Located in southern Yirgacheffe, the Chelbesa washing station receives ripe coffee cherry from smallholder farmers across Danche village and the surrounding highlands of Gedeo. Grown above 2,100 masl, the region's cool temperatures allow the cherry to mature slowly, developing the sweetness and acidity that define the area's distinctive coffees.

The lot brings together three traditional Ethiopian landraces: Dega, Kurume and Wolisho. These indigenous varieties have evolved in the forests of Gedeo and neighbouring highlands, carefully selected and replanted by generations of local farmers.

Most contributing farms are less than two hectares, with coffee cultivated beneath semi-forest shade alongside food crops and false banana. This traditional agroforestry system reflects the Gedeo people's longstanding relationship with the land, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.

At Chelbesa, carefully selected cherry is floated, sorted and pulped before fermenting in tanks for two to three days. Following washing, the coffee is dried slowly on shaded raised beds for 8 to 12 days, helping preserve its delicate aromatic character.

The result is a beautifully delicate and floral cup, with jasmine and white tea aromatics complemented by gentle stone fruit sweetness. A classic expression of Yirgacheffe, showcasing the elegance and clarity of Ethiopia's highland coffees.

Region: Yirgacheffe
Country: Ethiopia
Elevation: 2,100 masl
Variety: Dega, Kurume, Wolisho
Process: Washed

Therefore Coffee

We want to live in a world where coffee producers, their families and communities can thrive.

Unfortunately, the history of coffee production is intertwined with that of colonialism and slavery. Even today it is not uncommon for producers and workers to be faced with poverty, food scarcity, and child labour. Modern slavery still exists within the coffee producing industry.

Coffee is traditionally sold at a price that has nothing to do with farmer's living expenses (Read: C Price) and is often below the cost of production. We don't like the idea of Wall Street influencing how much our producers get paid on a given day. Our sourcing partners always pay premium prices based on cost of production and quality; not the market price.

Therefore Coffee