The smiling face belongs to the indefatigable Asnakech Thomas, Ethiopian coffee's only miller/producer/exporter, who brings to life the Ethiopia Sidamo Amaro Gayo, a natural-process, sun-dried, organic offering which proundly reflects its terroir. She insists that everything be done right, from harvesting and sorting only ripe cherries, using a water-saving eco-pulper down to assuring that the high premiums paid for the green beans find their way back into the community of Amaro. We are calling this a "Women's coffee project" in light of the fact that, according to Asnakech, "almost 80% of the people who pick my coffee are women. I want to encourage them." Importer Elan Organic in San Diego has other noteworthy projects and selections of women's coffee, which we proudly support, like our El Salvador Santa Teresa.


The intense berry, exotic fruit and honey-sweet notes go hand in hand with the extravagant body and consistency of this coffee. The entire American container shipments of Amaro Gayo were sold out before they'd even landed here, further testimony to the draw of Asnakech's determination to bring the best of Ethiopia to the world.