As our trademark coffee since 2009, Ardi honors origins. Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of the coffee tree, and the place where human evolution began. This uniquely sweet, heirloom variety coffee is named to honor a famous early human fossil discovered in Ethiopia. Since first tasting these striking beans, Keffa has worked closely with partners in Sidama to ensure the quality in the processing, storing, and shipping of this exceptional coffee.

The Sidama region’s fertile soil lends rich nutrients and deep color to its coffee. Good weather means good coffee, and this year’s harvest of Ardi is bountiful and flavourful. Thanks to healthy rainfall during the growing Season.

There are few views as striking as a hillside washing station with more than 300 raised beds full of crimson cherries drying in the sun. After small farmers harvest their coffee and bring it to their local mill, hundreds of skillful workers continue to sort out overripe and underripe cherries. The coffee dries on raised beds for 8-10 days and is rotated every 30 minutes to promote even drying. The time spent on the raised beds is complemented by 2-3 days of final drying on a concrete patio.

Our Cupping Notes: Grape, Chocolate & Red Apple