Introduction:An in-depth exploration of the 2020 Ethiopia TOH (Taste of Harvest) Championship-winning bean "Amidaro", an anaerobic natural coffee from the Yirgacheffe region, renowned for its notes of strawberry, peach, and fermented wine. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of its complexity and sweetness profile — from bean origin, processing method, roasting recommendations, to practical pour over and espresso extraction parameters — helping readers master the brewing secrets of this championship lot.
The 2020 Ethiopia TOH (Taste of Harvest) Championship winner, Amidaro, is a premium coffee bean from the Yirgacheffe region, celebrated for its anaerobic natural processing method. This championship lot quickly became the focus of global specialty coffee enthusiasts with its distinctive aromas of strawberry and peach, along with fermented wine notes and honey-like sweetness.
Amidaro employs a special anaerobic natural processing method. The process involves placing ripe coffee cherries into a completely sealed fermentation container and fermenting them in an oxygen-free environment for a period of time. This technique promotes the activity of natural yeasts and bacteria within the fruit pulp, further enhancing the fruitiness and sweetness of the coffee. After fermentation, the beans are dried in the sun, preserving the full flavor characteristics while adding a deeper layer of complexity.
In terms of physical characteristics of the green beans, Amidaro features a medium-to-small bean size, relatively high density, and a light green appearance. The variety is an Ethiopian heirloom. These coffee trees are grown at high altitudes of approximately 1900 to 2100 meters. The unique climate and high-altitude environment provide the coffee with rich acidity and a delicate aromatic foundation.
Regarding roasting recommendations, the team suggests using a medium-light roast to highlight its captivating fruitiness and fermented aromas while retaining the coffee’s inherent bright citrus and floral tones. It is important to note that heat control during roasting is crucial — over-development may mask its delicate fruit acidity and sweetness. Roasters are advised to closely monitor development time to achieve the best flavor balance.
During cupping, this coffee exhibits an extremely rich flavor profile, including bright fruit notes such as strawberry, peach, and mango, accompanied by fermented wine aromas, creamy richness, and honey-like sweetness. Upon tasting, the first impression is a vibrant juiciness, with bright yet non-sharp acidity and a sustained, full-bodied sweetness. The finish carries subtle floral notes and a faint hint of cocoa, delivering a well-layered and memorable experience.
For pour over enthusiasts, the use of a V60 filter cone is recommended. The ideal water temperature range is 90–91°C, with a suggested coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15, and a grind size between medium-fine, similar to the coarseness of fine sugar. The brewing steps suggest starting with a 30-second bloom, followed by three even pours, with total extraction time controlled around 2 minutes. This method fully showcases the coffee’s fermented aromas and fruity sweetness, resulting in a more balanced drinking experience.
If choosing to brew with an espresso machine, it is recommended to use Amidaro as a single-origin espresso (SOE). The suggested parameters are: 18 grams of coffee, aiming for a yield of 36 grams, with a total extraction time maintained between 25–28 seconds. This extraction method highlights its intense strawberry jam aroma and rich chocolatey flavors with wine-like depth, making it particularly suitable for lattes or cappuccinos, where the milk foam and coffee blend to present a more three-dimensional taste profile.
In summary, the 2020 TOH champion Amidaro is a coffee bean that combines classic regional characteristics with innovative processing techniques. It not only retains the classic floral and fruity notes of Yirgacheffe but also, through anaerobic natural processing, delivers a richer array of fermented aromas and sweetness. Whether you prefer pour over or espresso brewing, this coffee offers a layered and memorable drinking experience.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
