Bomb, Exceptional Lot

The Faficho Bombe station, located in the Sidama highlands at 2,100–2,200 meters above sea level, is renowned for the exceptional quality of its coffees. Situated in the Bombe kebele within the Bensa district, it is owned by Basha Bekele, who manages a 2.5-hectare farm and a 1.5-hectare washing station. Around 500 local smallholders, primarily from Sidama, deliver their cherries each year, contributing to an annual production of approximately 500 bags. The fertile clay soil, high-altitude climate, and traditional agricultural expertise create ideal conditions for producing aromatic and complex coffee that reflects the region’s unique terroir and the producers’ dedication to quality.

The Bensa district, at the heart of the Sidama coffee region in Ethiopia, is renowned for the exceptional quality of its beans. Coffees produced in this area stand out for their unique aromatic profile, combining floral notes, fruity nuances, and bright acidity. This reputation makes Bensa a sought-after zone for specialty coffee production, reflecting the region’s terroir and traditional cultivation practices.

The ancestral landrace variety refers to coffees from lineages that have locally adapted and been passed down through generations. These coffees maintain high genetic diversity, offering unique and complex aromatic profiles, often floral and fruity. Traditionally cultivated without modern hybridization, this variety reflects the terroir and ancestral expertise of the producers. Its rarity and authenticity result in highly sought-after coffees, prized for their distinctive character and their ability to fully express the identity of their region of origin.

At Basha Bekele’s station, cherry processing begins with flotation sorting to remove low-quality fruit. For this white honey lot, the skin is partially removed, leaving a thin layer of mucilage that enhances the coffee’s sweetness and aromatic profile. The beans, yellow or white in color, are then sun-dried on raised beds, before being bagged, sent to a regional station, and finally transported to Addis Ababa for export and packaging.