Sawana Smallholders – Ethiopia Guji Shakiso
Origin: Shakiso, Guji, Oromia, Ethiopia
Producers: Local smallholders, processed at Sawana Washing Station
Elevation: 1,800–2,200 m (5,900–7,200 ft)
Varieties: JARC cultivars & indigenous landraces
Process: Washed
Harvest: October – December
Moisture Content: 10.5%
Flavor Notes: Floral, green tea, lime, white grape, cane sugar
Body & Acidity: Medium body, medium acidity
About the Farm
Guji is a celebrated coffee region in southern Ethiopia, often compared to Sidama and Yirgacheffe but recognized for its own distinct identity. Shakiso, a woreda (district) within Guji, has earned a reputation for producing outstanding coffees despite its rural location and logistical challenges.
This lot was collected from smallholder farmers and processed at the Sawana Washing Station, one of the most important hubs in Shakiso. Farmers here typically cultivate coffee on small family plots using traditional, largely organic methods passed down through generations.
Coffee in Ethiopia is more than a crop — it’s a cultural heritage. Arabica coffee is native to this region, and recent reforms (from 2017 onwards) have empowered farmers to gain more direct access to export markets, ensuring better traceability and fairer compensation for their work.
About the Bean
At Sawana, cherries are meticulously sorted before pulping. The beans are fermented for 26–32 hours, then washed and spread across raised drying beds for 10–14 days. Throughout the drying process, they are turned often to ensure consistency and covered daily to protect against midday sun and nighttime moisture.
This washed process highlights Guji’s signature profile — vibrant florals and bright fruit layered over a clean sweetness. The result is a cup that is delicate yet complex, balancing floral aromatics with crisp fruit tones.