This region, once part of Guji, is named after the old Somali Sultanate of Bale. Unlike in Ethiopia’s Southern regions, this is a tourism/national park region rather than a coffee region, but exciting developments are already underway. Bale Mountain is the coffee producing region in Ethiopia that experiences the least amount of deforestation.

The 100-hectare Bale Mountain Farm is owned by Mr. Israel Degfa, one of the most forward-looking coffee producers in Ethiopia. Even though he started out in commercial coffee trading, he quickly invested resources in specialty coffee with innovative technology and fully traceable sourcing. Bale Mountain Farm is one of his latest projects, but Gesha trees are already being planned for elsewhere!

Although the altitude is comparable to Sidamo, the drier climate produces more concentrated flavors and a sweeter body. This coffee has notes of ginger flower, lime, dried raspberries, oregano, with a Long-lasting finish.