Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Worka Sakaro

From the village of gold at Gedeb's eastern edge. Washed processing at peak elevation creates jasmine-scented complexity with peach sweetness—Yirgacheffe at its most aromatic and elegant.

Origin Ethiopia Region Yirgacheffe/Gedeb Elevation 1,945-2,200m Process Washed Variety Heirloom The Source

Gedeb's Golden Village

Worka Sakaro—"gold" in Gedio language—sits at Gedeb's eastern boundary, one of sixteen kebeles where coffee trees may be young but elevation compensates. At 1,945 to 2,200 meters, these are among Yirgacheffe's highest farms. Thin air and cool temperatures dramatically extend cherry maturation, building aromatic complexity and bean density that lower elevations can't match.

The washing station here processes cherries from surrounding smallholders, each farming plots often smaller than three hectares. Heirloom varieties represent thousands of indigenous cultivars—Ethiopia's wild genetic diversity creating flavors no other origin replicates.

The Craft

Washed: Elevation Revealed

Yirgacheffe's abundant springs—the region's namesake—make precision wet processing possible. Cherries depulped within hours of harvest, beans fermented in clean water for 12 to 72 hours to remove sticky mucilage. Multiple rinses wash everything clean, then beans spread across raised beds where highland sun and cool air create ideal drying conditions.

What emerges is coffee transparent to its core—you taste what elevation built, what terroir provided, what genetics contributed. No fruit fermentation obscures, no processing variables muddy. Just Gedeb at peak altitude.

Jasmine Peach Bergamot Honey Body Light Acidity Vibrant The Cup

High-Altitude Aromatics

Jasmine rises before you sip—floral aromatics so pronounced they fill the room. Peach sweetness opens the palate, ripe stone fruit that balances the vibrant acidity immediately following. Bergamot citrus provides that Earl Grey character Yirgacheffe is famous for, while honey notes weave through adding richness without weight. The light body floats, letting each delicate flavor shine individually before blending into complex harmony.

Find Your Fix

Pour-over with V60 or Chemex at 1:16 ratio showcases the floral complexity—water at 200-203°F extracts aromatics without bitterness. This coffee also excels as cold brew, steeped 16 hours for jasmine-scented refreshment. Avoid methods that add body; this coffee wants to float and dance, not sit heavy.

Roasted in small batches at our Virginia Beach roastery, where the Atlantic air reminds us daily of the journeys these beans make to reach your cup.

Virginia Beach, VA