Proem: A Tribute to Ethiopia’s Coffee Roots and Takele Mammo Denbi
At Poets & Prose Coffee, every cup tells a story. Our Ethiopian coffee, Proem, is no exception. It’s a coffee that begins where all coffee begins: in Ethiopia, the birthplace of this cherished bean. But the heart of Proem lies not just in its vibrant strawberry, jasmine, and caramel notes, but in the hands of a dedicated farmer whose story is as rich as the coffee he cultivates.
Meet the Farmer: Takele Mammo Denbi
Takele Mammo Denbi has been a pillar of Ethiopia’s coffee community for decades. At 47 years old, he is no stranger to the intricate balance of tradition, innovation, and passion required to grow world-class coffee. His 8-hectare farm, nestled at 1800–2100 meters above sea level in the Konga district of the Gedeo Zone, is a testament to his commitment to excellence. This region, widely celebrated as the heart of Yirgacheffe coffee, produces beans with unparalleled complexity and brightness.
Before focusing on his own farm, Takele served as the Managing Director of the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union. During his tenure, he championed transparency, quality, and fair practices, helping countless small-scale farmers thrive in a challenging market. His leadership played a pivotal role in fostering Ethiopia’s reputation as a producer of some of the finest coffees in the world.
A New Chapter: The Single Farmer Lots Program
Takele’s farm became part of the Single Farmer Lots Program, an initiative designed to highlight the work of individual Ethiopian farmers and preserve the unique qualities of their coffees. This program offers an alternative to the traditional system, where coffees are often blended and anonymized, making it difficult for exceptional farmers to shine. Takele, with his decades of experience and unwavering dedication, is a perfect fit for this program. His participation ensures that every bean in Proem reflects the care and expertise of its grower.
The Process: Tradition Meets Precision
Takele employs a full natural process, allowing the cherries to dry on raised beds under the Ethiopian sun. This meticulous method preserves the coffee’s vibrant fruit and floral characteristics, resulting in a cup that bursts with notes of strawberry, jasmine, milk chocolate, and caramel. The altitude, volcanic soil, and careful post-harvest practices all contribute to the distinctive flavors that make Proem a standout coffee.
A Story in Every Cup
Proem is more than a coffee; it’s a celebration of beginnings. From Ethiopia’s role as the birthplace of coffee to Takele’s journey as a farmer and leader, this coffee embodies the spirit of origin and renewal. It’s a fitting tribute to Ethiopia’s coffee legacy and the people who dedicate their lives to its cultivation.
When you brew a cup of Proem, you’re not just enjoying a delicious coffee. You’re connecting with the story of a farmer who has poured his heart into every bean, ensuring that the world can savor the vibrant flavors of Yirgacheffe.
Let Proem be the first chapter in your day, and join us in celebrating the artistry and dedication of Ethiopia’s coffee farmers.