Ethiopian Excellence - Tamiru Tadesse

Alo Coffee - Tamiru Tadesse - Ethiopia, Bensa, Sidama 

Alo Coffee was established by Tamiru Tadese and his wife, Messi, in Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia. They set out to build on what Sidama does exceptionally well: producing phenomenal coffees. Sidama coffees are known for their heady floral notes, citrus, stone fruits, and notable sweetness. The idea at Alo is to create strategic systems, in tandem with the terroir, to enhance these inherent qualities and elevate the coffee from good to truly remarkable.

Tamiru doesn’t come from a typical coffee background. He’s a former university lecturer, an electrical engineer, and a systems thinker—because amazing coffee doesn’t just happen.

At every step of the process, Tamiru has created specific systems to produce high-quality coffee, harvest after harvest, consistently. His fermentation protocols are carefully controlled and precisely monitored. The drying is deliberate and functions harmoniously with the elements. The quality control is rigorous, not just aspirational. Nothing about this coffee is accidental. Every step is evaluated by one question: Does this make the cup better?

In 2020, Ethiopia held its first Cup of Excellence. This groundbreaking event established a new level of transparency and opportunity for producers to receive well-deserved recognition. In 2021, Alo submitted its first lot, a coffee from Tamiru’s home village. It took first place. That wasn’t by luck of the draw; it was validation. Do the work. Trust the process. Let the coffee speak.

Sidama is known for sweet, fruity, floral coffees. Alo presents those characteristics with distinct clarity, clean structure, precise aromatics, and a finish that lingers in the best way.

We’re super stoked to release two limited expressions from the same varietal.

Alo Classic Washed: Think heady florals and intoxicating citrus with a clean, crisp, refreshing finish with whispers of bergamot, ginger nectar, and lemon-lime. An absolutely alluring cup. 

Alo Anaerobic Natural: Layered, fruit-forward, and expressive controlled fermentation that adds dimension without losing the Sidama elegance. Super Rope, Blackberry, Sugar Cane, Agave, Feral. Another natural gem from Ethiopian coffee savant, Tamiru Tadesse.

Two processing styles. One origin. One philosophy. 

If you’re a Coffee Head, you already know. If not, you know now. The best bags are the ones you split with someone. Heady Cup Coffee! Grab a friend and go in on a bag!