What’s really brilliant about Bean There is that in addition to sourcing fantastic coffee from 7 African countries, they form meaningful, long-term relationships with the growers they work with, and strive to improve their livelihoods with a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing and direct fair trade practices. Bean There actually pays above market price for the coffees they roast in an effort to ensure that the farmers and producers with whom they work really are fairly compensated. 

Bean There typically offers the same 7 African single origin coffees year round, plus one blend, and while we’ve come to greatly appreciate the consistency and quality that such an approach to roasting and distribution lends itself to, this does mean that we don’t often get to gush about new Bean There coffees. That’s one of quite a few reasons that we get so excited about Olga’s Reserve releases. The last two Olga’s Reserve coffees were some of their respective seasons' highlights, so we’re thrilled to have another edition so soon.

This latest Olga's Reserve lot comes from Sidamo, one of Ethiopia’s most famous coffee-growing regions. Coffees from Sidamo tend to have somewhat lower acidity than some other Ethiopian coffees which contributes to their global popularity. However, this lot underwent a unique processing method called 'supernatural' which involves drying the coffee in the cherry while allowing for controlled aerobic fermentation. This should yield some unique flavour characteristics.

This lot was produced by smallholding farmers organised under the Fero Cooperative, which is itself part of the greater Sidamo Farmers’ Cooperative Union. ‘Fero’ comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron, and symbolises the collective strength of members of the cooperative. Bean There, in its typical fashion, has been working closely with this cooperative and the community it supports since 2008. The Johannesburg-based roastery purchases Fero’s beans at market prices and adds a premium for quality, as well as Fero’s Fairtrade and Organic certifications. 

Fero’s farmers democratically decide what to do with these premiums. Over the years, they have used them to support their community, such as by building classrooms and administrative buildings, and developing local infrastructure, which has made clean drinking water and electricity more accessible. As Bean There puts it, “Fero is a shining example of Fairtrade at work and the impact premiums can have on community development.”

Phaedon's tasting notes

Admittedly I'm a fan of everything Bean There does, and particularly of the Olga's Reserve releases, but I really believe that our friends in Joburg have shared something special with us here. This supernatural lot is not only a delicious coffee, but it offers quite a unique tasting experience.

What stands out about this coffee above all else is the incredible aroma which I described as "intensely perfumed" in my first brewing notes—a heady combination of both fruity and floral on the nose. This is accompanied by a luxurious sweetness and a complex but refined acidity. To me, it's reminiscent of citrus but in no way lemony as it's much sweeter; it reminded me of naartjie in most of my brews.

I would unhesitatingly recommend this coffee for any brew method. I loved it in every brew from French press to espresso, and in each one it had something a little different to offer. Despite a flavour profile that you would typically associate with filter, it also makes a stunning espresso, perhaps because of the well-integrated acidity.

It may be priced significantly above the price of most Bean There coffees, but I'd still say it's an absolute steal for a coffee of this unique character.

Notes from Bean There

• Flavour notes: This highly complex coffee has a perfume-like floral aroma, notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and lime, and a silky finish.

"Our philosophy of seeking the best in both coffee and people, was embodied by Olga “Polly” Robinson. She introduced her grandchildren, Jonathan and Sarah, to the wonderful world of coffee at an early age. This inspired them to start Bean There Coffee Company and share the world’s best coffee, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of the people who grow it. Through direct fair trade, we help these farmers empower their communities. In recognition of her unforgettable example, Olga’s Reserve is a carefully selected, rare, micro-lot coffee. It’s best enjoyed slowly, with a piece of chocolate, in peace and quiet, elegantly savouring every sip. Just as she did."

Details from Bean There

"Fero Cooperative is located near the town of Yirgalem in Sidamo, Ethiopia and is a member of the greater Sidama Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union.

"The cooperative and coffee are Fairtrade Certified and Organic Certified. There are currently 3674 members of Fero. The word ‘Fero’ comes from the word for a strong metal and represents the producers united and working together, forming a strong bond, and making a big difference in their community.

"Bean There Coffee Company has been purchasing coffee from Fero Cooperative since 2008 and have visited the community several times to meet with cooperative leaders and producers. When Bean There purchases coffee from Fero Cooperative the market price is paid, plus a quality-related premium, the Organic premium, and the Fairtrade premium.

"The Ethiopia Sidamo coffee continues to be Bean There’s best seller. Fero Cooperative and Bean There Coffee Company enjoy a strong trading relationship to the point where Fero puts coffee aside specifically for Bean There ensuring there is a steady flow of top quality Ethiopia Sidamo coffee in South Africa. We look forward to many more years of trading fairly with the people of Fero."

• Producer: Smallholding farmers organised under the Fero Cooperative
• Country: Ethiopia
• Region: Sidamo
• Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom Arabica Varieties
• Process: Supernatural

A portion of proceeds from this exclusive coffee goes directly to benefit Ethiopian small scale farmers.