Messenger Coffee is a roaster based in Kansas City. They likely have one of the best cafe spaces I’ve ever been to with three stories of well-designed space, paired with a bakery and an open-air balcony that overlooks the city—overall, it is simply amazing. When I saw this washed Ethiopian highlighted on their email with pink lemonade acidity, candy like sweetness and a lingering white wine finish, I was incredibly intrigued and knew I had to give it a try.
The coffee began with a rich fragrance with notes that reminded me of sweet mint, subtle berry, chocolate and dried fruit. The flavor was delicate with notes of lemon citrus, melon and subtle chocolate & floral notes. The coffee had a surprisingly rich body that was lush & silky and paired with a balanced acidity that was sweet citrus-toned. The sweetness definitely was candy-like with a melon/citrus centered quality to it. The finish was creamy, but a bit dry. The coffee had a lovely layering of flavors and a nice complexity. It performed well in every pour over brewer I threw at it and was a real treat when brewed as a flash brew.
The Bottom Line
This washed Ethiopian coffee was a treat. It was complex, sweet and delicious, while also being balanced and incredibly drinkable. I think this is an Ethiopian coffee that would appeal to a wide swath of coffee lovers.
