Ethiopia Banko Gotiti Washed

Region: Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia

Farm: Banko Gotiti, Mekuria Mergia and Elias Yifter

Process: Washed

Variety: G1 Heirloom

Elevation: 2,250 MASL

We Taste: Nectarine, Mandarin Orange, Honey, Black Tea Finish. Medium Acidity, Juicy Body.

In 2017, regulation changes in Ethiopia made it easier for small businesses to obtain an export license for direct trade. The following year, Wete Ambela was founded by Mekuria Mergia, his wife Enatenesh Desalegn, and Elias Yifter.

Their story is one of complements: Mekuria specializes in production and processing, while Elias has professional experience in exporting; Mekuria is outspoken, bold, and talkative, while Elias is calm, meticulous, and deliberate. Enatesh, Wete Ambela's president, carefully manages and balances the two.

The business owns and operates two washing stations: one in Yirgacheffe outside of Banko Gotiti village, and the other in Guji. Their goal is to build two additional new stations. At the Banko Gotiti washing station, coffees are hand-harvested, sorted, and floated for defects. 

This year, the harvests from Ethiopian coffee growing areas are impressive. Months of consistent rainfall have encouraged robust flowering, which helps cherry development. Better cherry development translates to stronger mucilage growth, which is a vital factor in flavor development and processing.

This washed process coffee is deliciously clean, boasting the natural citrus and floral qualities of Yirgacheffe's terroir.