Ritual Coffee Roasters: Bensa Kokosa (Oromia, Ethiopia)
Roaster: Ritual Coffee Roasters
Roaster Location: San Francisco, CA
Name: Bensa Kokosa
Origin: Oromia, Ethiopia
Date: December 2020
Style: West coast light roast
Notes from Roaster: Raspberry, Cherry Cola, Plum Jam
Summary:
About Ritual Coffee Roasters
We fell in love with Ritual Coffee Roasters living on 16th and Mission in 2005. They had a roaster right in the middle of their retail space that filled the spartan, yet stylish space with the most wonderful aroma of happiness. Their espresso changed our minds about what coffee could be; bright, full, exhilarating. It seemed at the time that everyone in there was starting a new web business.
Ritual has expanded to six locations and is a supplier to many more. They are known for pushing the west coast light roast style forward and maintain their reputation as one of the leading roasters for bright, sweet, clean roasts.
About Bensa Kokosa
This is a family-owned plantation with a deep backstory as Yiannis Georgalis fled Greece during WWII and built a successful coffee business. His daughter Heleanna took over the business after he died from a heart attack. This is a rare natural process coffee, for which the fruit is allowed to dry on the bean. This process allows berry notes to develop as the fermenting cherry interacts with the bean. The risk is that if the beans are not regularly turned and if overripe beans are not removed, a funky (i.e. “rotten”) flavor and aroma will come through the roast.
Cupping Notes:
Fragrance/Aroma: The dry fragrance is phenolic, peppery, and with a deep fruit note. The cherry cola and plum come out strongly with the wet aroma. Consistent with the style, there is little to no roasted or caramelized note in the wet aroma.
Taste, Aftertaste, Acidity, Body, Balance: This is immediately a clean and bright berry note in the front palate. The limited tannin profile does not obscure the berry brightness in the aftertaste. Balanced acidity with light body and excellent balance.
Sweetness, Uniformity, and Cleanliness: Clean cup and good sweetness.
Cupping Score: 9.5 out of 10 (Outstanding)
Pour-over Paper Filter Notes: A truly delightful cup of coffee. The depth of fruit and the bubbly brightness of the cherry come through in every sip. This is not overly acidic, no dirty notes. It tastes great hot and cold. This is not the “aha” fruit note that will strike everyone, but a beautiful, clean fruit that delivers consistently.