This Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Aricha Espresso is a high-elevation washed coffee from Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia, grown by smallholders around 1,950 meters above sea level. The coffee undergoes washed processing with 48–72 hours of fermentation in cement tanks and 12–15 days of drying under parabolic covers. It is described as a medium-light espresso roast with notes of peach, jasmine, and black tea, complemented by bright citrus acidity, a light-to-medium body, and a clean finish.
49th Parallel has been a heavyweight in the Vancouver coffee scene since 2004, when brothers Vince and Michael Piccolo set out to bring world-class specialty coffee to the West Coast before it was trendy. They were early pioneers of the direct trade model, which sees them traveling extensively to build face-to-face relationships with farmers. Their roasting style is famous for its consistency and balance; they avoid the ultra-light, acidic "lemon juice" profiles in favor of developing sweetness and body that appeals to both coffee nerds and casual drinkers. It was voted Vancouver’s #1 roastery in 2025.
