Ethiopia Dry Process Buno Dambi Uddo

Fruit-forward and flavorful, this dry process lot from Dambi Uddo pulls out layers of ripe berries and potent baking spices, along with dark caramelized notes that are easily enhanced with roast development. I noted plump berry tones all the way through the profile, from dry fragrance to cup, aromatic in the light roasts, and a bit more jammy and rustic as you approach Full City. The ground coffee has complex spiced intensity to it, anise and whole cloves, with sweet notes of red berries, dried peach, and molasses. Pouring hot water on the ground coffee stirred up enticing smells of fresh berries, brown sugar, a sachet of baking spices, and a soft floral accent. At City to City+ roast levels, the brewed coffee produced convincing ripe berry notes that were quite clear and clean, blueberry and blackberry, then shifted to syrupy notes of boysenberry pancake syrup, and a juicy acidic impression. As the coffee cooled, caramelized sugars came up in the cup, accented by fragrant spice notes of Chai, Allspice, and Clove oil in the nose, along with a hint of Yerba Buena mint. There's also a light floral overlay that brings a delicate aspect to the aroma, contrasting the heavier fruit flavor profiles. Full City roasts are underpinned by delicious caramelized sugars and bittersweet chocolate, fading to plum jam notes and blackberry compote. Though Dambi Uddo is right up my alley for fruity dry process espresso, it's not for the faint of heart and I'm withholding my "official" recommendation as a result.