Ethiopia - Guji Hambela Alaka
Country: Ethiopia
Region: Hambella District
Process: Natural
Varietal: Multiple
Altitude: 1900 - 2000 m.a.s.l
Brewing method: V60, Aeropress, Kalita
Description
The distinguished Guji Hambela Alaka Natural coffee takes its name from the kebele (local administrative division) where it's meticulously harvested. Cultivated at elevations between 1900 and 2100 meters, this coffee follows a natural processing method.
Farmers meticulously handpick the cherry and deliver it to the washing station, where a careful hand-sorting process removes under-ripe or damaged cherries. The beans are then dispersed on raised beds for drying, ensuring consistent turning and coverage to achieve uniform drying. The coffee remains here for 15 to 25 days, reaching the optimal moisture content before being hulled and prepared for export.
Producer Information
Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of the coffee plant, maintains its allure in the specialty coffee industry today, thanks to its impressive array of cup profiles. Although maintaining complete traceability has posed challenges in recent times, new regulations have opened the door for direct purchasing. Thanks to our team on the ground, we're actively collaborating with both farmers and exporters to source exceptional specialty coffee lots, bringing value to both farmers and roasters alike.
The exceptional quality of Ethiopian coffee arises from a harmonious blend of various factors. The genetic diversity of coffee varieties results in a tapestry of flavours, distinguishing even farms with similar growth conditions and processing methods. Processing techniques also play a pivotal role in the final product's quality. Furthermore, the historical producing traditions of Ethiopia have contributed to the genetic diversity, processing infrastructure, and the delightful coffee we savour today.
Guji, located in the Oromia Region of southern Ethiopia, is primarily inhabited by the Oromo community, with their language, Oromo, differing significantly from Ethiopia's main language, Amharic. Much like various coffee-growing regions in the country, the culture within Guji varies from woreda (administrative districts) to woreda, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of those engaged in coffee cultivation.
Barista life
Baristas today have access to a wide variety of high quality, speciality coffee producers and can hone their craft with a great variety of brewing methods. Barista Life works closely with these producers to deliver the finest beans around and not only that, can provide essential training to you and your staff to ensure the perfect cup of coffee reaches your customer, every time.
Join Our Journey
To date our Head Barista Aron has made over a million of coffees during his time, that’s a lot right? His dedication and skill has benefited coffee shops around the E.U., Canada, New York & his home city London. In 2010 Aron started with a mobile espresso van which taught him just how difficult it can be to manage different bean densities in England’s inclement weather. Determined to master the art of consistency, he spent days testing coffees from around the world, roasting different blends to formulate a recipe that would deliver a consistent base flavour within a temperature range of -5’c to 35’c. Most coffee shops are fitted with air conditioning units which assist in maintaining that consistency, but without that luxury Aron’s understanding of the volatility of coffee grew considerably.
The business expanded in 2011 when both Aron and his wife, Clare, took on a failing coffee shop after the recession with aim to give it life. With previous experience in hospitality and business management, their dedication and hard graft paid off and The Espresso Lounge Tring is a successful coffee shop and cafe with several TripAdvisor awards and fantastic reviews.
They remain within this lucrative industry to date and can offer invaluable knowledge to new business start ups or those wishing to train their baristas to the highest possible standard. Barista equipment, coffee machines, sales training and business consultancy are all available through Barista Life and can set your business on the path to success.
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