We're sure you've heard us rattling on about coffee processing, washed coffees and natural coffees, but have you ever had the chance to experience what these terms actually mean? Well, now you have that chance! Our latest Ethiopian, Bale Mountain washed, is part of a duo of new coffees that showcase coffee processing. That's right, these two coffees were grown by the same people, on the same land (and perhaps even from the same tree), the only difference is that one was processed using the washed method, and another was processed using the natural method. Try these two coffees side by side for a unique and informative coffee tasting experience like never before. Bale Mountain is a coffee farm in the Bale Mountain National Park located in the West Arsi region of Ethiopia (formerly a part of the renowned Guji region). It is owned by Israel Degfa, a local producer with an impressive reputation for producing outstanding specialty lots. He is in fact the same producer who brought us 2 Ethiopian coffees with cupping scores of 89. When he saw the richness of the soil and the surrounding forests, he immediately saw the potential for producing exceptional coffee from this high altitude region and with his experience, there is no better man for the job. This is the natural coffee from our coffee processing duo and it is an exceptional example of naturally processed coffee, offering up boozy bourbon notes with tropical fruit. Having said that, it hasn't lost its terroir characteristics as it still has an abundance of vibrant acidity and sweet botanicals. This coffee was a great adventure in flavour: it tasted of sweet melon, with caramel notes and botanical flavours that reminded us of cola. It has a sticky bourbon-like booziness that coats the mouth and delicious orange peel acidity. It was our head roaster who put all these flavours together and realised this coffee tasted just like a bourbon Old Fashioned. Don't believe us? Why don't you try it for yourself!