PRODUCER: Tariku Kare

REGION: Bombe, Nensebo, Guji

PROCESS: Washed

VARIETY: 74158 & 74165

ELEVATION: 2070 M

TASTING NOTES: Mandarin, honeysuckle, honeydew

Producer Story

The story of Tariku Kare is one of remarkable perseverance and entrepreneurial vision. Born in Bombe, Tariku began his coffee journey at just 15 years old as a cherry sorter for a local cooperative. Through dedication and hard work, he rose through the ranks—first promoted to washing coffee in the channels, then selected to manage a new washing station in Nensebo.

When market disruptions led to bankruptcy for that station's owner, Tariku and 17 fellow workers formed their own company, opening a new washing station under his management. His success continued as he established another facility in Arsi to supply the international market. Once that operation was thriving, Tariku returned to his hometown of Bombe to build the washing station that produces this exceptional coffee.

The Community

Tariku's Refisa washing station serves as a vital hub for 593 smallholder farmers from the villages of Refisa, Roricho, Bulga, and Riripa. These farmers cultivate coffee across 5,000 hectares at extraordinarily high elevations—some reaching up to 2200 meters above sea level. The average farm spans just two hectares, yet these dedicated growers produce coffee of exceptional quality using a mix of local varieties, including wild varietals from the neighboring forests.

Located in Oromia, about 250 miles south of Addis Ababa, Nensebo woreda represents an emerging coffee region classified as Sidama D on the ECX coffee map. Tariku's commitment to paying premium prices for ripe red cherries ensures farmers are rewarded for their quality-focused approach.

The Cup

This washed coffee showcases the bright, complex character that high-elevation Guji coffees are celebrated for. The cup opens with the vibrant citrus brightness of mandarin, followed by delicate floral notes of honeysuckle that create an elegant aromatic experience. A refreshing honeydew finish adds a subtle sweetness and clean complexity that lingers beautifully.

The meticulous washed processing highlights the pristine qualities of the 74158 and 74165 varieties, while the exceptional elevation contributes to the coffee's remarkable clarity and nuanced flavor development.

From a 15-year-old cherry sorter to a visionary coffee entrepreneur—taste the journey in every cup.