Sidamo remains one of Ethiopia’s most reliably expressive origins, and this UG lot is a clear example of why the region continues to anchor both single-origin programs and precision blends. Produced by smallholder farmers across the Sidama zone, coffee here is typically grown at elevations ranging from 1,700–2,000+ masl, with mixed heirloom cultivars planted in garden systems alongside subsistence crops. These high elevations and cool nights drive dense seed development and layered acidity, even in more classic grade profiles.
Washed processing dominates in Sidamo, and careful fermentation followed by raised-bed drying preserves clarity without stripping sweetness. In the cup, expect bright but balanced citrus acidity — think lemon peel and sweet lime — supported by stone fruit and floral notes, with a clean, tea-like body. As it cools, sugars lean toward honey and light caramel, making this lot especially adaptable across roast styles.
Understanding Coffee Grades
This lot is graded UG (Under Grade), meaning it falls just outside the strictest screen and defect thresholds of Grade 1–2 coffees. In practical terms, that translates to a slightly broader screen distribution and a more approachable cup profile, while still retaining Sidamo’s hallmark aromatics and structure. For buyers, UG lots often represent some of the best value in Ethiopia — less about trophy scores, more about consistency, versatility and origin character.
From a buying perspective, this Ethiopia Sidamo UG performs well as a single-origin for everyday offerings or as a high-impact component in blends where you want lift, fragrance and clean acidity without overpowering other components. It’s a workhorse Ethiopian coffee: transparent, dependable and expressive of place, offering excellent utility for roasters who value repeatability as much as provenance.
