May 2025: Podium Platinum. Big Shoulders Coffee
Country: Ethiopia
Varietals: Heirloom (incl. 74110, 74112, and 74140)
Region: Oromia
Process: Natural
Producer: Abdulwahid Sherif
Elevation: 1,800 - 2,100 MASL
Tasting notes: Blueberry, pineapple, orange blossom, caramel
The Coffee:
This Ethiopia Kossa is from the Kossa Geshe Estate in Ethiopia’s Limmu Kossa District. The estate, managed by Abdulwahid Sherif since 2009, spans approximately 1,000 hectares.
Established as a land concession to protect one of Ethiopia’s last dense forests, the farm emphasizes both environmental conservation and high-quality coffee production. The farm is recognized not only for producing exceptional coffee but also for a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The birthplace of the coffee plant, Ethiopia has exploded with the rise of specialty coffee into a powerhouse known for sweet, fruity, and floral notes. Kossa Geshe's naturals, in particular, have appeared in many prestigious coffee competitions and are loved by exceptional roasters for their intensely fruity, clean profiles. This coffee is no exception and reveals flavor notes of blueberry, orange blosson and caramel.
The Roaster:
Tim and Patricia Coonan founded Big Shoulders Coffee in 2012 with two things in mind: Good Coffee should be accessible to everyone and hospitality would be woven into everything they did. Both were realized with the same level of detail and care taken from their experiences of working in Michelin starred restaurants.
Yes, they roast award winning coffee but what stands out is the level of care they have for guests, partners, and the entire Big Shoulders team.
Big Shoulders believes the most important part of success is the relationships that are formed on the journey. Everyone from producer, importer, roaster and baristas who bring you delicious coffee each day play an important part.
This commitment has made them a multi award winning coffee company-having been recognized by Golden Bean, and also honored to be the home of the 2025 US Coffee Roasting Champion, Diego Guartan.