Banko Gotiti: Ethiopia • Washed • Heirloom

Refined evolution of traditional processing, this lot from Banko Gotiti in Yirgacheffe redefines what is possible for washed coffee in Ethiopia.

Produced by smallholder farmers delivering to Banko Gotiti Washing Station in the Gedeo region of Yirgacheffe, this coffee is grown at 1,870–1,980 meters above sea level and processed in collaboration with YunDian and Hansun Coffee. Using the 74158 and 74112 Heirloom varieties, this lot forms part of the Honeymoon Washed project - a modern approach to classic washed processing.

As experimental processing continues to dominate the speciality landscape, traditional washed Ethiopians risk being overshadowed by more intense, fermentation-forward styles. Thus, the Honeymoon Washed project was born to give new life to Washed Ethiopian coffees. Inspired by Kenya’s 72-hour washed protocol and elements of honey processing, a new process combining dry fermentation with washed processing was created. This process, known as Dry Fermented Washed, is now one of Ethiopia's most talked about processing methods and results in a cup that retains the tea-like structure and bright acidity of a traditional washed Yirgacheffe, while introducing increased sweetness and a fruity body.

Two years of experimentation have gone into this process, where cherries are harvested at 21° Brix, floated, pulped, and placed into dry fermentation tanks for a controlled 72-hour fermentation. A gentle mid-fermentation rinse ensures clarity and avoids unwanted ferment notes, before slow, even drying on raised African beds. A modern refinement of traditional processing, this shows that washed coffees can evolve and continue to compete in the ever-advancing landscape of complex fermentation.

Traceability: Gotiti < Gedeo < Yirgacheffe < Ethiopia

Process: Dry Ferment Washed

Varietal: Heirloom 74158, 74112

Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, Elderflower, Yuzu

Brew Guide

18g Coffee - 300g Water

70g Bloom for 30s
50g Spiral Pour, 15s Pause
180g Circular Pour, Drain

Total Brew Time - 3:00s