Overview

The **Ethiopia Guji Hambela Natural Specialty Coffee** offers a powerful, fruit-forward profile, contrasting the clarity of its washed counterpart. Sourced from the high-altitude farms surrounding the Hambela washing station in the Guji Zone, this lot is processed using the traditional **Natural (Dry) Method**. This technique is meticulously controlled to ensure a clean, vibrant cup dominated by rich fruit flavors and sweetness. The coffee is celebrated for its dominant notes of **ripe red cherry**, sweet **cola**, and **strawberry jam**, delivered with a **syrupy, heavy body**. It provides a comforting, highly sweet, and complex filter or espresso experience.

Origin, Varietal & Processing

Guji is one of Ethiopia's most sought-after coffee regions, with cultivation typically taking place at altitudes over $2,000 \text{m}$. The coffee is comprised of indigenous **Ethiopian Heirloom** varietals.

The **Traditional Natural Process** is executed with care:

1. **Harvest:** Only fully ripe cherries are selected.
2. **Drying:** Cherries are spread thinly on raised African beds for $15-20$ days, where the fruit skin and mucilage dry onto the bean. Constant turning prevents mold and ensures even infusion of fruit sugars.

This method is preferred for its ability to enhance sweetness and fruit complexity, yielding a profile that is rich, dense, and comforting.

Taste Profile & Sweetness

In the cup, the **Guji Hambela Natural** is defined by its deep sweetness and concentrated fruit. The aroma is rich with **red berry** and candy notes. The flavor profile is centered on **ripe red cherry** and often exhibits a unique, sweet spice note reminiscent of **cola** or caramel candies. Rich **strawberry jam** and a hint of dark chocolate round out the flavor.

The body is **syrupy, heavy, and round**, giving the coffee a luscious texture. The acidity is **juicy and balanced**, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. The finish is long, sweet, and comforting, making this a classic example of a clean, high-quality Ethiopian Natural.

Quick Specs

• Flavour Notes: Red Cherry, Cola, Strawberry Jam, Syrupy Body, Dark Chocolate
• Origin: Guji Zone, Hambela Woreda, Ethiopia
• Process: Traditional Natural (Dry)
• Variety: Ethiopian Heirloom
• Roast Recommendation: Medium-Light to Medium Roast

Roast Profile Recommendations

A **Medium-Light to Medium Roast** is recommended. The slightly greater development helps to smooth the intense fruit notes and maximize the syrupy body and sweetness.

• Development: Aim for 1:45–2:15 minutes post-first crack.
• Goal: Maximize body and syrupy sweetness while retaining red fruit notes.

Brew Guide — Unlocking the Cup

**Pour-Over (V60)**: Use a medium grind, 1:15 ratio. Water temp $94^{\circ} \text{C}$. A slightly faster brew time can help manage the intense fruit density.

**Espresso**: Produces a sweet, complex shot with a thick crema. Dose: $19 \text{g}$, Output: $38 \text{g}$, Time: $26-29$ seconds.