Ethiopia Guji Uraga

Process: Carbonic Macceration

Variety: Jarc, Local Landrace

Producer: Farmers working with Uraga Washing Station

Flavor note: Apple, Roasted Hazelnut, Cacao nib, Caramel, Citrus fruit

Altitude: 1925 - 1945 MASL

Roasted for: Filter

In the heart of the Guji region, where the air is infused with the aroma of coffee blossoms and the land stretches between the peaks and valleys of Uraga, a remarkable journey begins at the Uraga washing station. This station, cradled in the embrace of Guji, was once a part of Yirgacheffe, but its microclimate birthed such unique coffee that it earned its designation as an independent coffee growing region.

Here, the land is a canvas painted with tradition and dedication. The farmers of Guji, who cultivate their crops in a dance with coffee plants and other food crops, embrace intercropping as a way to maximize land use while providing sustenance for their families. It's a practice that reflects the harmony between tradition and innovation, a balance where organic-by-default methods thrive. In Guji, the use of fertilizers and pesticides is minimal, and most of the farm work is a labor of love conducted by the hands of the immediate family.

Uraga washing station stands as a beacon of progress, providing training to these farmers to elevate the quality of their cherries. The focus is on the delicate art of harvesting and transporting, ensuring that the beans arriving at the station are a testament to the region's potential.

In the pursuit of excellence, the Uraga washing station embraces the art of carbonic maceration—a technique inspired by the world of wine making. The sealed environment in which carbonic maceration takes place creates an atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, altering the microbial activity during fermentation. It's a nuanced dance that transforms the flavor profile, producing unique and exquisite notes in the cup.

Farmers, with the precision of generations of knowledge, selectively handpick cherries, delivering them to the washing station. Each cherry is meticulously sorted to remove imperfections, setting the stage for the journey of carbonic maceration. Sealed in containers, the cherries undergo a transformative fermentation, their skins intact, allowing the process to unfold over days or weeks. Once complete, the cherries are washed with care and laid on raised beds, where they bask in the Ethiopian sun, raked regularly to ensure an even drying.

The result is a lot of coffee that embodies the spirit of Uraga, Guji—a symphony of taste notes that dance on the palate like a melody from the heart of Ethiopia. Cooked apple, grape, tropical fruits, dark chocolate, and roasted almond—all come together in a cup that reflects not just the geography, but the dedication and expertise of the farmers and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Uraga washing station. It's more than coffee; it's a journey through tradition, innovation, and the unparalleled flavors of Guji.