Moon Is Down
Shakisso is a land that continues to shape the legacy of Ethiopian coffee. In this highland region altitude shade and patience come together in quiet harmony. The farms rest beneath canopies of native trees allowing the cherries to mature slowly and develop their natural sweetness. From this landscape we welcome the work of Ismael Hassen Aredo a dedicated farmer whose Kayon Mountain mill captures the balance between nature and craft. His coffee reflects the calm precision of Shakisso itself. Sweet layered and deeply rooted in the spirit of the highlands.
Kayon Mountain is known for coffees rich in complexity often marked by deep berry tones and elegant sweetness. Through Falcon’s dedicated effort Ismael’s lot was carefully separated from regional blends allowing his work to stand on its own and reveal the distinct character of his farm. This pursuit of individuality gives small roasters like Arkib the opportunity to explore the potential of Ethiopia’s single farmer coffees. Each lot becomes an expression of place patience and the quiet mastery behind every harvest.
This is one of the long awaited coffees for the Arkib team. From our first cupping before shipment, the coffee showed a gentle and elegant citrus character that immediately drew our attention. Freshly brewed, it opens with sweet cotton candy and delicate neroli, followed by honeydew and melon as the cup cools, settling into the sticky sweetness of madu kelulut with a lingering strawberry essence. As espresso, the citrus takes on more depth with orange blossom, blueberry and rounded goji berry sweetness, carried by a rich, weighty texture reminiscent of mooncake. With milk, the profile shifts toward Belgian chocolate and vanilla, with blackberry and subtle dried jackfruit adding a fruity creaminess. Ismael continues to refine his work with each harvest, and this year’s coffee captures that progress in a cup that feels both elegant and expressive.
