Grown at an exceptional elevation of over 2,100 meters in the highlands of West Sidama, Bomba Bensa Natural offers a strikingly sweet and vibrant cup. Slow cherry development at this altitude concentrates flavour, giving this lot its crunchy apricot sweetness, bright lemon-zest acidity, and a lingering Rainier-cherry finish, carried on a clean, tea-like structure.
About Coffee
Bensa & the Bombe Kebele
Bomba Bensa is produced in the Bombe kebele of the Bensa district, a region renowned for its clarity, florality, and lively fruit character. The area benefits from rich clay soil, dramatic elevation, and two distinct rainy seasons that shape the rhythm of cherry development. These conditions, paired with long-standing local farming knowledge, create an ideal environment for expressive coffees.
Producer – Basha Bekele
This lot is crafted by producer Basha Bekele, who manages both a small 2.5-hectare farm and a 1.5-hectare washing station. Around 500 neighbouring smallholders deliver ripe cherries to his site each year, contributing to an annual output of roughly 500 bags. His focus on meticulous sorting, careful drying, and small-lot precision has helped elevate Bensa’s reputation internationally.
Ethio Catalyst Partnership
Since 2013, Ethio Catalyst has worked closely with producers like Basha to amplify the inherent quality of Bensa coffees while honouring traditional practices. Together they support careful handpicking, consistent drying, farmer education, and improved traceability — all of which contribute to the region’s distinct and celebrated cup profiles.
Natural Processing
Cherries undergo density sorting before being laid out on raised beds for slow, even drying under the Ethiopian sun. Extended drying encourages deeper sweetness and a layered fruit profile, producing a cup that is both structured and vibrant. Once dried, the parchment is hulled and transported to Addis Ababa for final milling prior to export.
Bomba Bensa Natural captures everything we love about Sidama naturals: clarity, sweetness, and a lively, fruit-driven complexity, It’s certainly a standout expression of its high-altitude origin.
