Organic Ethiopia – Sidama Region, Telamo Co-Op – Conscious Coffees

I’m always impressed by roasters that feature exclusively organic coffees and can offer the same quality (and prices) as non-organic options. Furthermore, when a roaster also focuses on direct trade relationships with farms to responsibly and ethically source coffee, the combination leaves an impact. Conscious Coffees is that type of roaster. Their coffee selection is exclusively organic and nearly all of their offerings are sourced via direct trade relationships with farms and co-ops that go back to 2003. With these credentials, I knew I loved the mission behind Conscious Coffees and after tasting a variety of their coffees, I knew I loved it too.

In this review I focus on their naturally-processed coffee from the Sidama region of Ethiopia. I’ll be reviewing some of their other coffees in upcoming reviews.

The Telamo Co-op, the producer of the Organic Ethiopia Sidama, definitely has the natural process figured out. This coffee has all the characteristics I look for in a naturally processed African coffee—it is extremely fruit-forward in both aroma and flavor, it has a strong, but balanced brightness & acidity, and it has a wonderful sweetness that becomes even more exposed as the coffee cools.

Now, this isn’t the best dry-processed coffee I’ve had—it lacks a bit of complexity and the body is a bit thin. I don’t think it is on the same level as Bishan Fugu from Noble (one of my all-time favorites), but it still is a really nice coffee that I have enjoyed drinking a lot.

The Bottom Line

With this wonderful dry-processed coffee leading the way, Conscious Coffee earned their place among some of the other great Boulder, Colorado roasters I’ve tried in the past. The coffee was everything a naturally processed African coffee should be. If you love the strong berry flavors and aromas that usually accompany light roasted, dry-processed coffees from Ethiopia, this coffee is one you should absolutely try. As an organic coffee sourced ethically through a direct-trade relationship, you’ll feel great drinking it too!