We are proud to introduce Ethiopia Black Lion, a new coffee created in direct collaboration with Pachamama members at the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU). We created this coffee because the farmer-owners asked us a simple question: “We roast our coffee darker - could you produce a coffee the way we drink it here in Ethiopia?”
The answer was yes, of course, and that ultimately led to Ethiopia Black Lion, a bold, full-bodied, aromatic blend of Yirgacheffe and Sidama Natural single-origin coffees, roasted to a full city profile. In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, the ceremony of brewing and enjoying coffee is central to daily life. A stronger roast profile brings out notes of spice, sweetness, and depth in a way that feels familiar. Pachamama’s Black Lion was crafted to honor the way Ethiopians prepare and enjoy their own coffee, or buna (pronounced “boon-a”).
- Watch a traditional coffee ceremony in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia.
In the cup, Ethiopia Black Lion offers notes of blackberry that open the profile with subtle fruit depth, followed by honeyed sweetness and a smooth chocolate finish. The dark roast develops richness and body while preserving its balance. As with all Pachamama coffees, Ethiopia Black Lion is Certified Organic and produced by a farmer-owned cooperative, ensuring that the value of each purchase supports farmers directly. This is Ethiopian coffee prepared in alignment with the traditions and customs of those who know it best.
The name Black Lion honors the black-maned lion, locally known as t’ik’uri ānibesa, a rare and genetically distinct subspecies native to the highlands of Ethiopia. Today, small populations remain in the Harenna Forest of Bale Mountains National Park. Once believed extinct, researchers confirmed surviving individuals in 2016. These lions are known for their thick, dark manes that extend down their chests, an adaptation to colder mountain climates. Throughout Ethiopian history, the black-maned lion has symbolized strength, resilience, and national pride.
The Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) represents more than 400,000 smallholder farming households across Ethiopia. Founded in 1999, the union has grown to 413 hundreds of cooperatives across Ethiopian coffee regions, including Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Limu, and Nekemte. Since 2005, OCFCU has been a member-owner of Pachamama Coffee, with representation on the board of directors to ensure shared governance and direct participation in company decisions. The cooperative supports investments in schools, clean water systems, energy-efficient cookstoves, and ongoing technical assistance to improve coffee quality. Every bag of Ethiopia Black Lion carries forward the collective work and leadership of these farming communities.
