We’re so excited to feature four exquisite new natural lots — all under the 'Cherry' name — from our good friends at Bette Buna! This lot underwent a 96-hour carbonic fermentation period that enhanced fruit expression, producing ultra-sweet notes of strawberry, vanilla, and Concord grape with the perfect gentle acidity.
Led by Gabriel Restrepo and Hester Syoum, the expert processing team at Bette Buna are always impressing us with their unique flavour profiles as they push the boundaries of experimental fermentation techniques. If you'd like to be able to compare and contrast the processing results of all four new lots, check out our special Bette Buna Tasting Set here.
Betta Buna was founded by partners Hester Westerveld-Syoum and Dawit Syoum when they inherited their grandfather’s tiny family farm in Taferi Kela, Sidamo. With a background in NGO and development work, they decided to grow and scale the farm as the foundation for a larger company with greater impact.
After starting in 2019, they have now grown considerably, expanding the Taferi Kela farm from two to 50 hectares and spreading to a second 50-hectare farm in Megadu, Guji. Both farms have tree nurseries where climate change-resistant varietals are grown to share with surrounding farmers. Similarly, they have facilities where they not only process their own lots but also educate other farmers in processing techniques, while their Coffee Campus programme provides training in roasting, brewing, and even exporting. They provide countless opportunities for their farming communities by not only teaching and motivating farmers but also hiring local workers at their nurseries and mills, including single mothers and disabled people who would struggle to find employment elsewhere. They also prioritise sustainable farming methods, rewild forests on their land, and protect local wildlife to promote ecosystem health for future generations. We're proud to support Bette Buna and plan to partner with them for many years to come.
This lot began with carefully sorted cherries placed in hermetic containers, where carbon dioxide was flushed in to create an anoxic environment. The 96-hour CO₂ fermentation promoted intracellular fermentation within the coffee beans and encouraged selective microbial activity, dominated by yeasts and lactic acid bacteria.
Elevation: 1900-2200 Metres Above Sea Level
Varietal: 74112, 74110, Wild Guji Megadu
Cup score: 90
Price paid per kg: £18.85
Process: 96hr carbonic natural