This coffee is grown in Alo Village, Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia at 2,400-2,500 meters altitude. It is a JARC 74158 variety processed using the Mosto Anaerobic Natural method, involving 96 hours of sealed anaerobic fermentation with mosto in a cool environment, followed by 28 days of drying on African raised beds and 45 days of stabilization. The resulting coffee features vibrant notes of raspberry coulis, honeydew melon, and chocolate.
Special Guests Coffee was founded in 2022 by Paul Ross, a two time UK Barista Champion who took the title in 2019. After stints at Origin Coffee, Kiss the Hippo, and Watch House, Paul launched a boutique roastery focused on rare micro lots, competition level beans, and exclusive varietals in extremely limited supply. The flagship café on Aybrook Street in Marylebone opened in late 2023, featuring two long silver counters: one dedicated to espresso, the other to a pourover brew bar offering 12 single origin coffees as hand brewed filter. The roastery also maintains an archive of carefully frozen coffees, giving standout lots a second chance to shine. A monthly subscription delivers 100g of rare, world class coffee to members.
