Origin Story
From the legendary Guji Zone in southern Ethiopia, this exceptional coffee is cultivated by smallholder farmers of the Hambela Washing Station cooperative at breathtaking elevations between 1,800-2,200 meters above sea level. The Guji region, once part of the historic Sidamo zone, has emerged as one of Ethiopia's most prestigious coffee-growing areas, producing beans that consistently score 86+ points. These heirloom varietals grow wild in the shade of indigenous trees in coffee forests that have existed for centuries. The natural processing method—where hand-picked cherries are dried whole on raised beds for 15-21 days under the Ethiopian sun—creates the explosive fruit flavors and wine-like complexity that make Guji Hambela one of the world's most sought-after specialty coffees. Each purchase supports over 600 smallholder farming families who maintain traditional cultivation methods while protecting Ethiopia's precious coffee biodiversity.
Producer Details
Washing Station: Hambela Washing Station & Cooperative
Region: Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Altitude: 1,800-2,200 MASL
Process: Natural (sun-dried on raised beds)
Varietals: Indigenous heirloom Ethiopian varietals (74110, 74112)
Farmers: 600+ smallholder families, average farm size 1-2 hectares
Harvest Season: October - January
Cup Score: 86+ (Specialty Coffee Association scale)
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Organic Practices: Traditional forest coffee cultivation with zero synthetic inputs
✓ Shade-Grown: Grown under native forest canopy, protecting biodiversity and bird habitats
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationship with Hambela cooperative, premiums 35% above commodity prices
✓ Water Conservation: Natural processing uses minimal water compared to washed methods
✓ Forest Protection: Coffee cultivation provides economic incentive to preserve Ethiopia's endangered cloud forests
✓ Fair Wages: Premium pricing ensures living wages for all farm workers and cherry pickers
✓ Community Investment: Cooperative funds support schools, healthcare, and clean water projects
✓ Heritage Preservation: Supporting traditional Ethiopian coffee culture and heirloom varietal conservation
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Intense blueberry, strawberry jam, floral jasmine, dark chocolate
Flavor Notes: Wild blueberry, strawberry, dark chocolate, red wine, bergamot
Acidity: Bright and complex, wine-like with citrus undertones
Body: Full and syrupy with velvety mouthfeel
Finish: Long and sweet with lingering berry notes
Complexity: Exceptional - layers of fruit, floral, and chocolate evolve as the cup cools
Brewing Recommendations: Outstanding as pour-over (V60, Chemex), cold brew, or light espresso
Why Guji Hambela is Special
Guji Hambela represents the pinnacle of Ethiopian natural processed coffee. The extreme altitude, volcanic soil, and traditional forest cultivation create beans with unparalleled complexity. The Hambela area is known for producing some of Ethiopia's highest-scoring coffees, regularly featured in international competitions and sought after by specialty roasters worldwide. This is coffee in its most authentic form—wild, complex, and utterly unique.
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the Hambela Washing Station and the specific farms in the Guji Zone. We maintain detailed records including lot numbers, harvest dates, and cupping scores. Each lot is cupped and scored at our Dubai facility by founder Mohamed Hamdou, and this exceptional coffee is featured in our advanced cupping sessions to demonstrate the extraordinary potential of Ethiopian heirloom varietals and natural processing.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this exceptional Guji Hambela's journey from Ethiopia's highlands to your cup? We're here to share the story.
