Ethiopia Cascara Infused

Right after our first sip of this splendid Ethiopia, it was all over for us. We knew we were in need of a fun, exciting coffee to liven up our single-origin offerings; and this wonderfully expressive coffee was exactly what we were looking for.

“Cascara infusion” may sound intimidating, but the process is not too far off from the typical washed coffee processing. Normally with washed coffees, the coffee cherry and fruit pulp is mechanically removed from the coffee beans with water before being rinsed and left to ferment in fresh water. With this process the producers add an extra layer to the fermentation by reintroducing the just-pulped coffee cherries as well as cascara, or dried coffee cherry, from prior harvests. The fruity cascara adds an additional layer of flavor to the fermenting beans without overpowering the intrinsic taste of the coffee or altering its mouthfeel.

Being both a premium washed process and experimentally processed coffee, this Ethiopia has been graced with the qualities of both having a clean, clear body and a punchy, complex flavor. We taste a beautiful mingling of pineapple, watermelon, and lychee that cools into a calming, familiar grape tannin found in aged wines. Even with such an intricate flavor profile, this Ethiopia is still as approachable as any coffee one would expect from us here at Grand. This coffee makes the perfect gift for anyone you want to share a special cup with, from seasoned brewers to the occasional sipper. We recommend it on pour over or Chemex!