Ethiopia Guji G1 Washed - Kercha Lot 1 (2018 Crop)

This is a washed grade 1 microlot from Kercha washing station in the Guji sub-region of Oromia in Ethiopia. This coffee was cultivated by some 650 smallholders at altitudes ranging from 1,950 - 2,250masl. Each farmer has an cultivates local heirloom varieties on an average of 2ha of land.

THE PROCESS

Ripe cherries are delivered by farmers to the Kercha wetmill for careful sorting and pulping, before fermentation for 36-48 hours, depending on the climactic conditions. After this point the parchment coffee is thoroughly washed and graded by bean density before being dried in the sun on raised African beds for 12 - 15 days (until the ideal moisture level has been reached). In the daytime the parchment needs to be raked and turned periodically to ensure a consistent drying process. The coffee is also covered between 12pm and 3pm to protect it from the hot sun, and at night time to protect it from rainfall and moisture. Once the coffee has dried to the right level it is transported to Addis Ababa for dry-milling, grading, intensive sorting and handpicking, before being bagged in GrainPro for export.

THE REGION

Kercha washing station is located in Guji zone near the 'kebele' (village) of Derikidame in the Oromoia region. The combination of high altitude (up to 2,200m in some areas), fertile soil, consistent and plentiful rains, and an abundance of local knowledge are all contributing factors to the high status of these grade 1 coffees. The indigenous ‘heirloom’ varietals - which grow wild in Ethiopia - are responsible for the unique flavour notes which make for an unusual but beautifully refined cup, characterised by strong citric acidity, sweet chocolate and floral/ herbal notes of lavender, jasmine, bergamot and hops.