Espresso Blends with Ethiopian Component

[jffhn]

I'm a big fan of espresso blends having a dominant Ethiopian component. The two that stand out for me are SM Moka Kadir and Coffee Emergency's Tribal Medicine Organic. What other (espresso) blends out there have that pronounced 'Red Sea' profile? I seem to prefer blends here, rather than SOs. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[DavidMLewis]

I'm a big fan of espresso blends having a dominant Ethiopian component. The two that stand out for me are SM Moka Kadir and Coffee Emergency's Tribal Medicine Organic. What other (espresso) blends out there have that pronounced 'Red Sea' profile? I seem to prefer blends here, rather than SOs. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Well, I know you specified a blend, but Blue Bottle's Yemen is right in that range. In fact, given that Yemens seem to be looking good this year, I'd be inclined to relax the "no SO" position. At their best, because of the large genetic diversity they exhibit, and how unevenly they roast, they share characteristics with many blends.

Best,
David

[jffhn]

Yes, I understand what you're saying. I'll take SO recommendations, too. Thanks.

[OkcEspresso]

Barefoot's Bigfoot blend has a pronounced Ethiopian component.

[roblumba]

Ecco Caffe's experimental blend #2 has an excellent Ethiopian content. There was a berry smell that filled the room and I could smell it even long after pulling shots.

65% Brazil Cachoiera Screen Dried
35% Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Konga Cooperative

I just checked their website and they are roasting again on April 23'rd. So now's the time to jump on it. I highly recommend experiencing this coffee.

http://www.eccocaffe.com

[BenBob]

I just got a Le Semuse Ethiopian Sidamo that was excellent -great balance between sweetness and acidity(berry) with a nice chocolate overtone to round it out.Totally without the woodiness I usually get in blends.Highly recommended. It can be ordered via their website. www.neverbitter.com

[JimWright]

Not sure if this qualifies as the "Ethiopian Component" you're looking for, and it's not actually an espresso blend per se, but last week I finished a bag of La Mill's Ethiopia Golocha.

I'm not always the first guy to pick up on the more exotic or subtle flavors of some coffees, but this one has a really pronounced berry (they say blueberry, and I agree) which I liked a great deal - I drank more straight shots from this bag than I do from most. Two thumbs up from this tester.

[RapidCoffee]

I just got a Le Semuse Ethiopian Sidamo that was excellent -great balance between sweetness and acidity(berry) with a nice chocolate overtone to round it out.Totally without the woodiness I usually get in blends.Highly recommended. It can be ordered via their website. http://www.neverbitter.com

No offense, but the Cafe La Semeuse website chatter does not inspire confidence:

Our valve and vacuum packaging assures freshness for 6 months unopened. Simply store in a cool, dry place.

I wonder if that guarantee applies to preground "briques" as well as whole beans?

[BenBob]

John -No offense taken -Their site as well as their packaging is indeed scary,however the SO's only come in the whole bean variety and the beans I've gotten have been very fresh and in excellent shape and I have a stringent no "brique" policy in my house lol