12/15/2025
Our first origin trip to Ethiopia — a moment we’ve waited years for as a company.
Sidamo has lived in our cups, our cupping rooms, and our conversations for a long time through coffees from Bombe Mountain, Keramo, and Shantawene. But nothing compares to finally standing here, breathing this air, and seeing this place with our own eyes.
We came with one clear intention: to visit .t — the producer many consider the golden child of Ethiopian specialty coffee.
From the moment we arrived at .et, we were met with extraordinary hospitality. Tarimu and his entire team welcomed us with generosity, openness, and pride — taking the time to walk us through their work, their systems, and the discipline behind every decision.
Standing there, it became immediately clear why Tarimu’s coffees won the inaugural Ethiopian Cup of Excellence, and why his lots sit where they do on the global stage. The focus, the structure, the standards — nothing is left to chance. Excellence here is not accidental. It’s built, protected, and lived every day by an exceptional team.
We left with a deeper understanding, immense respect, and real gratitude for the warmth and care shown to us.
Thank you, Tarimu, and thank you to the entire Alo team, for welcoming us so generously and for the work you do.
A huge thanks to for making this happen, massive big up to for sharing the journey with us and for capturing these precious moments. One finals thanks to ‘Jason Stathem’ for driving through roads that made Jersey City ones Look like an F1 track 😂❤️
Ethiopia — at last. ☕️🇪🇹✨
