Uraga, Filter - Ethiopia

An expressive Grade 1 coffee from the Uraga washing station in Ethiopia’s Guji region, distinguished by its carbonic maceration process. Borrowed from winemaking, this technique creates a controlled, carbon dioxide-rich fermentation that encourages a different microbial environment and can produce particularly vibrant and complex flavours.

The Uraga washing station works with smallholder farmers from the surrounding Guji region, an area recognised for its distinctive microclimate and exceptional coffees.

Farming remains largely traditional, with coffee commonly intercropped alongside food crops to maximise land use and support household food production. Most farms are organic by default, with little or no use of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, and much of the work carried out by hand.

Uraga supports farmers through training focused on selective harvesting and careful cherry handling, helping improve both quality and consistency from farm to washing station.

Carefully hand-picked cherries are delivered to the washing station, where they are meticulously sorted to remove under-ripe, over-ripe and damaged fruit. Whole cherries then undergo carbonic maceration in a sealed environment, creating a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere while the fruit remains intact. This controlled fermentation encourages distinct microbial activity and allows flavours to develop over several days. Once fermentation is complete, the cherries are washed and carefully laid out on raised drying beds. They are regularly raked to ensure even drying and consistent moisture reduction.

The cup is intensely juicy and aromatic, opening with tropical sweetness and bright raspberry, followed by crisp lemon and delicate orange blossom. Juicy plum and strawberry add depth, while a distinctive wine-like character carries through the finish.

• Region: Guji
• Country: Ethiopia
• Elevation: 1,940 masl
• Variety: JARC, Heirloom
• Process: Carbonic Maceration