Ethiopia Sidama Hamasho 74158 Natural

Hamasho is a small village in the Bensa District of Ethiopia's Sidama Region, where generations of smallholder farmers have cultivated coffee for decades. Ripe coffee cherries are carefully handpicked by local farmers and delivered to a nearby washing station for centralized sorting and processing.

This collaborative production model preserves the unique characteristics of smallholder farming while ensuring consistent quality through rigorous processing standards. As a result, Hamasho has become one of the most celebrated coffee-producing villages in Ethiopia's specialty coffee industry.

One of Hamasho's greatest advantages is its exceptional elevation, ranging from 2,200 to 2,440 meters above sea level. The cool climate and significant diurnal temperature variation allow coffee cherries to mature slowly, encouraging the development of higher sugar content, vibrant organic acids, and complex aromatic compounds.

Combined with the fertile red volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and natural forest shade found throughout the Bensa Highlands, these ideal growing conditions produce coffees renowned for their bright acidity, elegant floral aromas, and remarkable sweetness.

In recent years, specialty coffee labels have increasingly featured names such as 74110, 74112, and 74158. These are not lot numbers, but officially released coffee varieties developed by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC)during the 1970s.

Rather than being artificially hybridized varieties, they were carefully selected from Ethiopia's rich native Arabica gene pool, preserving the country's remarkable genetic diversity while improving disease resistance and production stability.

74110 – A Classic Expression of Floral and Citrus Notes

74110 is known for its classic Ethiopian profile. It typically displays delicate aromas of jasmine, bergamot, and lemon, accompanied by bright, balanced acidity and notes of raspberry and red grape. The overall cup is elegant, layered, and exceptionally clean.

74112 – Refined with a Vibrant Juicy Character

Like 74110, 74112 originated from the wild coffee forests of Metu-Bishari, yet it offers a distinctly different cup profile. It is often more vibrant and juicy, showcasing jasmine and orange blossom alongside white peach, apricot, and ripe citrus. Its silky mouthfeel and clean finish make it a favorite among specialty coffee producers.

74158 – A Variety Celebrated for Floral Complexity and Exceptional Sweetness

Among the JARC selections, 74158 has become one of the most sought-after varieties in today's specialty coffee market and is frequently featured in high-scoring lots and coffee competitions.

Compared with 74110 and 74112, 74158 is distinguished by its richer sweetness, fuller body, and greater fruit complexity. While maintaining Ethiopia's signature bright acidity, it presents a rounder, softer mouthfeel and outstanding balance.

Depending on the processing method, 74158 can express a remarkably diverse flavor profile. Washed coffees often reveal elegant notes of jasmine, orange blossom, citrus, white peach, and apricot. In natural-processed coffees, its sweetness becomes even more pronounced, developing vibrant flavors of blueberry, peach, strawberry, tropical fruits, grape, and honey, often accompanied by a luscious, jam-like character.

Its outstanding balance, expressive aromatics, and exceptional sweetness have made 74158 one of the defining varieties of modern Ethiopian specialty coffee, highly valued by roasters and baristas around the world.