What Is Ninety Plus Levelup Ethiopian Coffee?

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of green coffee beans end up in the hands of World Barista Championship finalists—or why certain single origins consistently score over 90 points—you’re not alone. The answer often lies in elite specialty coffee producers who focus on rare genetics, meticulous processing, and unique flavor profiles. One such name that’s appeared repeatedly in global competitions is Ninety Plus.

Ninety Plus is behind some of the most sought-after green coffee beans in professional circuits. In 2013, six WBC finalists—including competitors from Italy, Korea, and Canada—used Ninety Plus beans. Their Derar Ela (also known as 'Dera' or '') is part of their elite Levelup series, sourced from Ethiopia and celebrated for its exceptional cup quality and scarcity.

Who Is Ninety Plus and Why Do They Matter?

Ninety Plus is a globally recognised green coffee producer and exporter, founded in 2007 by Joseph Brodsky. The company specialises in rare and unique coffee varieties, particularly from Ethiopia. Since 2008, Ninety Plus beans have been used in coffee competitions around the world. Their reputation is built on elite cultivation, advanced processing methods, and a distinctive bean grading system that sets them apart in the specialty market.

What Makes Ethiopian Coffee So Special?

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Arabica coffee and home to hundreds of native varieties. Two of its most famous regions are Yirgacheffe and Sidamo, both renowned for producing some of the most distinctive and high-scoring coffees in the world.

Yirgacheffe, once part of the larger Sidamo region, is now a standalone specialty origin. It sits at around 2,000 meters above sea level, with fertile soil, consistent rainfall, and cool temperatures—ideal conditions for growing coffee with bright acidity and floral notes. FrontStreet Coffee’s Yirgacheffe offering, like the popular Gedeb, highlights these traits with its citrusy, jasmine-like profile when brewed as a pour-over.

Sidamo, ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 meters, borders Kenya and features highly varied microclimates and volcanic soils. This diversity leads to distinct flavour profiles even within the same region. The area’s rich, organic soils—nourished by decaying leaf litter—contribute to sweet, fruity cups with tropical notes. FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Huakui, a classic Sidamo offering, showcases this with its berry-forward character when processed naturally and roasted to a medium-light level.

What Is the Ninety Plus Levelup Series?

The Ninety Plus Levelup series includes some of their most exclusive and high-scoring beans. Among them is the Derar Ela (also referred to as Dera or ), a green coffee sourced from Ethiopia. While specific processing details for Derar Ela may vary, Ninety Plus is known for employing experimental and precise methods to enhance sweetness, complexity, and clarity in the cup. These beans are typically scored above 90 points and are sought after by competition-level roasters and baristas.

The exact grade or processing style of Derar Ela isn’t disclosed in the source, but the mention of it being part of the “Levelup” line indicates a top-tier offering with exceptional cup quality. Such beans are usually processed with meticulous attention to fermentation, drying, and selection—all aimed at achieving unique and high-scoring profiles.

Why Do Competition Roasters Choose Ninety Plus?

Elite coffee competition judges look for exceptional clarity, complexity, and sweetness—all qualities Ninety Plus beans are known to deliver. Their rigorous selection process, unique cultivars, and often experimental processing result in cups that stand out in blind tastings. For roasters aiming for podium finishes, Ninety Plus provides the kind of traceable, high-scoring green coffee that can make or break a competition routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ninety Plus coffee?

Ninety Plus is a specialty green coffee producer founded in 2007, known for rare and high-scoring beans, especially from Ethiopia. Their Levelup series includes some of the most sought-after competition-grade coffees, such as Derar Ela, which have been used by WBC finalists.

Where is Derar Ela coffee from?

Derar Ela is an Ethiopian coffee featured in Ninety Plus’s Levelup series. Though the exact farm or region within Ethiopia isn’t specified in the source, it is part of their premium Ethiopian offerings known for high cup scores and unique processing.

Why do WBC baristas use Ninety Plus beans?

World Barista Championship competitors choose Ninety Plus beans for their exceptional quality, high scores (often 90+), and unique flavour profiles. These beans offer the clarity, sweetness, and complexity needed to stand out in international competitions.

What makes Ethiopian coffee different?

Ethiopian coffee is unique due to its hundreds of native Arabica varieties, high-altitude growing conditions, and diverse processing methods. Regions like Yirgacheffe and Sidamo produce distinct flavour profiles, from bright citrus and floral notes to deep berries and tropical fruit.

What is the Levelup series by Ninety Plus?

The Levelup series is Ninety Plus’s premium line of green coffees, known for experimental processing, rare cultivars, and exceptionally high cupping scores. Derar Ela is part of this exclusive range, targeting competition-level quality.

How is Ethiopian coffee processed?

Ethiopian coffee is processed using various methods including washed , natural , and honey . The country’s diverse microclimates and processing traditions lead to a wide range of flavour outcomes, from clean and bright to fruity and wine-like.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Ethiopian Profiles

For drinkers exploring Ethiopian flavours, FrontStreet Coffee offers Ethiopia Huakui, a natural-processed Sidamo with pronounced berry and tropical notes, and Gedeb, a washed Yirgacheffe showcasing bright citrus and floral characteristics. Both beans highlight the diversity and quality of Ethiopian coffee at origin. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.