Yirgacheffe

Yirgacheffe (also spelled Yirgachefe) is a town and a surrounding coffee-growing area in southern Ethiopia. It is famous for producing some of the world's most prized Arabica coffees, with the name Yirgacheffe widely used to denote a distinct Ethiopian origin in global coffee markets.

The area sits at high elevations, typically around 1,700 to 2,200 meters above sea level, with a combination of volcanic soils, good rainfall, and shaded hillside farms. The climate and elevation contribute to the coffee's complex aromatics and bright acidity.

Coffee in Yirgacheffe is predominantly grown by smallholder farmers and marketed through cooperatives and exporters. The region is known for washed (wet) processing, which tends to emphasize clean flavors and floral notes; some farms also use natural or honey processing to produce different profiles.

Tasting notes commonly associated with Yirgacheffe include citrus (lemon, bergamot), jasmine and other florals, tea-like body, and a bright, clean acidity. Profiles can vary by micro-lot and processing method.

Yirgacheffe coffees have a strong presence in the global specialty coffee scene and have helped popularize Ethiopian coffee flavors. The designation can refer to a geographic origin as well as a group of farmers within the broader SNNPR/Sidama region.