Ermias Naremo Kokose 74158 - Natural Ethiopia

Ermias - Kokose Village, Sidama Region, Ethiopia Top 20 Competition Performer

From his family's ancestral farm in Kokose village, nestled in the heart of Ethiopia's renowned Sidama region, Ermias has consistently proven that exceptional coffee is born from patience and tradition. Over the past four years, his natural-processed 74158 varietal has earned him top 20 rankings in multiple Ethiopian specialty coffee competitions, establishing his reputation among the country's elite producers.

The 74158 varietal, originally developed by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, thrives at the 2,100-meter elevation of Ermias's 6-hectare farm. His natural processing method—a meticulous 21-day drying process on raised African beds—allows the coffee's inherent complexity to fully develop. The result is a stunning cup with explosive fruit notes of blueberry and strawberry, complemented by wine-like acidity and a lingering honey sweetness.

"The 74158 is like a gift from our ancestors," Ermias reflects. "It wants to show you everything—the soil, the sun, the rain—but only if you are patient with it." His careful selection process begins with hand-picking only the deepest red cherries, followed by multiple sorting stages to ensure uniformity.

Working within Kokose village's traditional washing station cooperative, Ermias has become a mentor to younger farmers, sharing his techniques for optimal cherry selection and drying management. His competition success has brought international buyers directly to Sidama, with his lots consistently selling at significant premiums above market price.

The recognition has enabled Ermias to invest in improved drying infrastructure and support his community's access to clean water and education programs.