For those that have been with us for a while, it’s probably pretty clear that we’re big fans of washed Ethiopian coffees here at Servant. We believe that these coffees can represent some of the most nuanced and enticing flavors found in the entire coffee arabica species. Bright, floral, and often beautifully complex, a cup of well-brewed washed Ethiopian coffee can be an immensely satisfying experience and one we love to share with our community.

Because we almost always have a washed Ethiopian coffee in our warehouse, we created a rotating single-origin concept that would allow us to showcase these coffees more often. The next coffee we’re offering as ‘Citrus Grove’, our name for this concept, is Suke Quto Washed from our friends at Trabocca. This lot comes to us from the volcanic soils of Odo Shakisso woreda, located in the legendary Guji Zone of the Oromia Region. This high-altitude region of Ethiopia produces such incredible coffees because the higher altitude slows down the cherries’ maturation process which, among other benefits, allows the beans to absorb more complex sugars leading to deeper, more interesting flavors.

Ato Tesfaye Bekele is one of the people that put Guji specialty coffee on the map. Tesfaye focuses on environmentally friendly coffee and on the economic growth of the community. Tesfaye works together with 171 outgrowers that deliver cherries to the Suke Quto Washing and Drying Station. Besides partnering up with outgrowers, he owns another 221 hectares in the highlands of Guji. More than 200 seasonal workers are needed to pick and process the Suke coffees. With its high altitude and rich coffee farming heritage, the community’s deep bond with coffee cultivation is intertwined with their cultural heritage, providing sustenance to their way of life.

These coffees will typically represent the cleaner, brighter flavors specialty coffee is known for. We consistently get notes of citrus and florality up front, a medium to light body and sweetness that brings to mind crisp melon, and a clean, sweet finish. Each coffee will bring its own character to the table, making this a nice showcase of what these coffees have to offer. We hope you find as much joy in these coffees as we do.

Cheers!