Ethiopia – Banko Gotiti

This coffee from Ethiopia’s Gedeb region in Yirgacheffe is a remarkable example of what makes Ethiopian coffees so highly regarded. Sourced from the Banko Gotiti Cooperative, a group of over 2,000 smallholder farmers, it reflects the dedication and tradition that have shaped coffee production in Ethiopia for generations. These farmers tend to small ‘coffee gardens,’ where coffee trees are often intercropped with other food-yielding plants, contributing to the region’s agricultural diversity.

The cherries are processed at the Gedeb Gotiti washing station, known for its precise cherry selection and processing techniques. This attention to detail results in a coffee with exceptional clarity and sweetness, showcasing the vibrant acidity and delicate florality that are hallmarks of the Yirgacheffe region.

Altitude Matters

Grown at an elevation of 2,000 meters, the cool temperatures at this high altitude slow down the growth of coffee cherries. This extended maturation period allows more time for complex sugars and flavors to develop, resulting in a coffee with a nuanced and vibrant flavor profile. The high elevation also reduces the prevalence of pests and diseases, further contributing to the quality of the crop.

Varietal and Processing

The varietal for this coffee is categorized as Ethiopian Heirloom or Ethiopian Landrace. Ethiopia, often referred to as the birthplace of coffee, has the largest habitat of coffee biodiversity in the world. The array of coffee varieties grown in the country is so diverse and intermixed that identifying individual varietals can be a monumental task. This heirloom classification reflects the rich, indigenous history of coffee cultivation in the region, though future agricultural advancements and genome sequencing may allow for more precise classification in the future.

After harvesting in November 2023, the coffee undergoes a washed process, where the fruit is removed from the beans before drying. This process helps to bring out the clean, crisp flavors and accentuate the coffee’s natural acidity. Drying takes place on raised beds, a method that ensures even airflow around the coffee, promoting consistent drying and protecting the beans from damage by UV rays.

Roasting Collaboration

This coffee is roasted in collaboration with Manhattan Coffee Roasters on a Typhoon Industrial roaster, a state-of-the-art fluid bed roaster. The roasting process is carefully dialed in by Lance Hedrick and the EU team at Onyx Coffee Lab to ensure quality and consistency in every batch. Temperature curves are adjusted to within 1° tolerance to guarantee a precise roast that highlights the coffee’s natural characteristics.

The Flavor Experience

In the cup, Banko Gotiti delivers a lively, bright acidity with the classic Yirgacheffe profile of stone fruits, developed sweetness, and delicate florality. Each sip is a balanced combination of vibrant fruit notes and a sweet, clean finish that reflects the care taken from farm to cup. This coffee is ideal for those who appreciate the complexity and finesse that Ethiopian coffees have to offer.

A Rich History

Ethiopia’s rich coffee history dates back to the 9th century, when coffee was first discovered in the region of Kaffa. From there, coffee spread to the Arabian Peninsula and later Europe, becoming a cultural staple worldwide. Ethiopia remains one of the top coffee-producing countries, and its diverse terroirs contribute to a wide range of flavor profiles—from classic washed coffees like this one to more experimental anaerobic naturals.

Despite the challenges of traceability in Ethiopian coffee production, due to the scattered smallholder farms and the immense diversity of varieties, Ethiopian coffee remains among the most sought after in the world. Banko Gotiti’s outstanding quality is a reflection of the hard work of local farmers, the cooperative’s meticulous processing, and the unmatched biodiversity of Ethiopia’s coffee landscape.

This coffee stands as a testament to why Ethiopian coffees continue to captivate the global specialty coffee scene, consistently delivering an enlightening experience to coffee lovers worldwide.