Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.

Like most major coffee countries Ethiopia has an intricate system of rules and standards surrounding the production of its prized coffees. This system, well intentioned as it may be, has an unfortunate side effect on the country’s smallholder farmers - the vibrant personalities that make each lot so unique are almost always obscured during processing, where size limitations lead to the mixing of lots from numerous small farms. But this microlot brought to us by Craft Coffee first-timers Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company shows that this doesn’t have to be the case. Smallholder farmer Aylele belongs to the 50,000 member strong Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, which helps the coffee growers of the Yirgacheffe district fetch premium prices for their crops. With a farm that’s more than 12 times the average size for the region, he produces lots that are just big enough to be processed individually. Coming from a country dominated by large plantation lots and blended cooperative lots, this is a rare opportunity to experience the distinguished identity of a small-producer specific coffee. Anodyne’s green coffee buyer Andy Helmkamp worked closely with one of specialty coffee’s leading importers to produce this lively coffee that crosses off nearly every item on our “perfect Ethiopian” checklist. With buoyant flavors, soothing aromas, and a savory foundation, it’s a perfect remedy for even the gloomiest of winter days.