• NEW LABELS!
    Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
  • Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
  • Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

    Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

    LIGHT ROAST
    Bright and vibrant, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe delivers floral aromas, citrus notes, and a smooth chocolaty finish. A legendary coffee!
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    • FREE
      SHIPPING
      On USA
      orders +$35

    • LOCAL
      PICKUP
      From our
      Minturn Cafe

    • Sourced
      Sustainably
      From farmers
      who care
    DESCRIPTION

    Origin: Sidamo Region
    Profile: Black Cherry & White Peach
    Strength: 2/5
    Varietal: Arabica Typica
    Process: Washed
    Aroma: Floral & Fruity
    Body: Exotic & Exciting
    Finish: Soft & Delicate

    Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is grown at altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 2,100 meters above sea level. The soil is 50% volcanic and 25% sedimentary. The famous legend of coffee goes back to the 3rd century A.D. when an Ethiopian goat herder, named Kaldi, noticed his herd behaving like young, frolicking kids after eating some stimulating red berries. Kaldi shared his discovery with the abbot of a nearby monastery, who decided to test the power of the berry himself.  He poured boiling water onto the berries he had collected and made a drink which he found helped help him to stay awake during long hours of prayer and perhaps the contemplation of other pursuits. 

    Today, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is grown in the Sidamo region, within the town of Yirgacheffe, in the Southern part of the country close to Lake Abaya.  The region is responsible for the highest coffee production in Ethiopia. In the past Sidamo was the main territory for the Kingdom of Sidama, a rich and proliferous state due to its coffee plantations.  After the Italian occupation, the Kingdom disappeared and merged with other conquered territories, creating the Sidamo region as it exists today. 

    A soft floral aroma of jasmine rolls off the cup, with notes of dark berries, citrus, and a subtle, chocolaty tone in the aftertaste. 

    BEST BREWED WITH

    Chemex, Pour Over, Drip Brewer

    HOW TO BREW

    For Chemex or Pour Over

    1. Measure 25-30g (3-4 tbsp) coffee, medium-coarse (like sea salt).
    2. Rinse filter with hot water, discard rinse water, and add grounds.
    3. Pour 60g hot water (200°F/93°C) to bloom for 30 seconds.
    4. Slowly pour water in circles to 450g total.
    5. Let it drip, then serve and enjoy.

    Using a different method? Check our brew guide here.

    ROASTED AT ALTITUDE

    All our beans are roasted on-site in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. At high altitude, the lower roasting temperatures allow the natural sugars in the coffee beans to caramelize slowly. This unique process creates deep, rich flavor profiles and smooth textures — without the bitterness.

    RESPONSIBLY SOURCED

    At VMCT, we take pride in fostering direct relationships with growers to ensure that every coffee bean and tea leaf we source is responsibly cultivated. We’re committed to ethical, organic, and sustainable practices, understanding that certification standards can vary across the globe. That’s why we go the extra mile to research and verify that our producers meet rigorous organic and bio-dynamic farming standards. For us, it’s not just about great coffee and tea — it’s about honoring the land and the people who bring it to life.

    SHIPPING & PICK UP

    We proudly offer free shipping on USA order over $35. Orders under $35 have a fixed shipping rate of $10.

    Orders are shipped via Standard Ground and typically arrive in 2 to 7 business days. Orders are typically dispatched within 24 hours (unless it's a powder day in which case - you get it).

    If you're local, or visiting town, pickup can be arranged from our Roastery Cafe (23698 US Highway 24, Minturn CO) typically within 24 hours. Just make sure you select that option at checkout.

    Floral aromas with vibrant citrus and a smooth finish.

    Behind the Beans

    • Our coffee is roasted at 8,000 feet in the heart of the Rockies. This high-altitude process allows us to bring out smooth, rich flavors without the bitterness. With decades of experience and a dedication to sustainability, we’re proud to offer a cup that’s as thoughtful as it is flavorful.

      It’s more than just coffee—it’s your companion for mornings spent watching the sunrise over the peaks or, if you're not in Vail, at least dreaming of it.

    • Roasting at high altitude is our secret to creating deep, rich flavors without bitterness. All based on the lower vaporization point of the deep bound moisture inside the coffee bean. The same way water boils at a lower temperatures at altitude . This allows the natural sugars in the coffee to caramelize at lower temperatures slowly, revealing layers of deep rich smooth complexity. It’s the kind of coffee that reminds you to slow down and savor the moment.

    • Every cup of VMCT coffee is a journey that starts from a small, sustainable farms around the world. We’ve spent decades building personal relationships with growers who care as much about their land as we do.

    • Fresher than the mountain breeze. We roast in small batches and ship within 24 hours to lock in that bold, clean taste. It’s our way of making sure that when you brew VMCT, you’re getting the freshest possible experience.

    • Absolutely. Whether you’re planning for your busy workweek or a weekend retreat, our subscription service makes it easy to keep your coffee stocked. You choose the blends, we handle the rest—fresh coffee, delivered right when you need it.

    • Our coffee is versatile and works beautifully across various brewing methods, from French press to pour-over to drip. If you’re looking for a little guidance, we’ve got brewing tips to help you get the most out of every cup.

    • Lighter roasts are great for pour-overs, allowing the subtle flavors to come through, while darker roasts like our Bridge Street Blend are perfect for drip or French press. We encourage you to experiment and find what works best for your taste.

    • A lift pass is always the best gift, but when you can't get to the mountain, why not bring the mountain to you? It's always a great way to relive a special holiday, or simply to get yourself a taste of Vail.

    • ★★★★★
      Me and two friends stopped by there last Thursday while skiing at Beaver Creek. All three of us were pleasantly surprised at just how good the coffee was. 
      Joseph M.
    • ★★★★★
      We were so sad we didn't find this place till our last day! This is the best quality coffee we found in the Vail area.
      Caroline B.
    • ★★★★★
      I'm a coffee snob and the coffee here is phenomenal. The tea selection is vast for all of the tea lovers out there.
      Dalia K.
    • ★★★★★
      Vail Mountain coffee has the best cup of coffee in the valley. The place for amazing coffee and a comfortable place to enjoy company or get some work done!
      David R.
    • ★★★★★
      The coffee here is amazing!!! I always get the same thing when I visit. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and always smiling.
      Mountain Man

    BREWED AT HIGHer STANDARDS

    Situated at 8,000 feet, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea is one of the highest altitude coffee roasters of its size in the world. With the dry mountain air, we are able to minimize moisture absorption which, in turn, allows us to deliver a fresher, longer lasting coffee. 

    • SUSTAINABLE

      Supporting farmers who consciously care and invest in their lands and communities. 

    • ETHICAL

      Fostering direct to grower relationships, VMCT works with farms and farmers who care.

    • ENVIRONMENTAL

      We are committed to reducing our environmental impact running a portion of our power from solar.