Sidama is the broader administrative region that encompasses Yirgacheffe as a microregion. Natural-processed Sidama coffees — the so-called 'blueberry bomb' — have become among the most sought-after in specialty coffee. In natural processing, the whole cherry dries on raised beds for 3-6 weeks, allowing the fruit sugars to ferment into the seed, creating intensely fruity, wine-like profiles. The contrast between washed Yirgacheffe (clean, floral, tea-like) and natural Sidama (fruit-forward, winey, full-body) demonstrates how processing method shapes flavour as powerfully as variety and terroir.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 87 | Excellent Sidama harvest; outstanding quality from multiple washing stations. |
| 2022 | 91 | Benchmark year; finest Sidama specialty coffee in recent memory. |
| 2021 | 83 | Very good conditions across Sidama Zone. |
| 2020 | 87 | Excellent Sidama conditions; outstanding Ardi natural and washed Sidamo production. |
| 2019 | 71 | Good Sidama harvest; classic Bensa and Banko Gotiti washing stations at reliable quality. |