Ethiopie Guji Shakiso

This single-origin coffee comes from the Guji zone in southern Ethiopia, near the town of Shakiso. In this high-altitude region (around 1,900–2,100 meters), hundreds of smallholder farmers grow their coffee shrubs in fertile soil. The coffee cherries are collected and processed at the well-known Shakiso Washing Station, which supports and collaborates with about 700 local farmers. The station sits at roughly 2,100 meters above sea level and is led by coffee expert Abder Malik Keder. The Guji area is renowned for unique indigenous coffee varieties and a balanced flavor profile that stands apart from coffees from, for example, Yirgacheffe or Sidamo.

Ethiopië Guji Shakiso is artisanally roasted by 30ml Coffeeroasters in their own roastery in the Netherlands. They usually opt for a medium-light roast to preserve the complex flavor nuances and keep the acidity nicely in balance. Thanks to this roast, the bright, floral notes come to the fore without bitterness, resulting in a perfectly balanced cup. With years of experience, 30ml fine-tunes the roast profile precisely to this bean so that both sweetness and aroma are expressed to the fullest.

In the cup, this coffee delivers a sweet, clear taste with lively yet not overpowering acidity. Aromas of cane sugar, jasmine blossom, and red berries jump out, carried by a smooth medium body. Tasting notes often reveal hints of raspberry (a characteristic red berry), which, together with the floral jasmine, create an elegant and fresh finish. The combination of sweet undertones and fruity accents yields a very refined and layered aroma, typical of highland coffees from Ethiopia.

This coffee is processed using the washed method for a clean and transparent flavor profile. At the Shakiso washing station, the handpicked coffee cherries are first hand-sorted, then depulped and naturally fermented for several days. The beans are subsequently washed thoroughly to remove the sticky mucilage and finally dried slowly on raised beds in the African sun. This careful processing results in a sparkling coffee with pure flavors. The Shakiso station boasts roughly ~180 drying beds and 13 fermentation tanks at 2,100 meters altitude, an indication of the scale and dedication with which the beans are handled.

Ethiopië Guji Shakiso is 100% Arabica coffee consisting of traditional local varieties. These indigenous Ethiopian cultivars are often referred to as “Heirloom”, an umbrella term for the old, original Arabica varieties in Ethiopia. These plants have grown in the region for generations and are known for their rich genetic diversity. Thanks to this diversity of (mostly unsprayed) coffee varieties, the beans gain a complex character with the distinctive floral and fruity tones for which Ethiopian coffee is celebrated. In Guji, both local landraces and a few improved varieties from Ethiopian coffee institutes are cultivated, contributing to layered flavor profiles.

Sustainability plays an important role in the production of this coffee. The Shakiso washing station is organically certified and works closely with the community, with around 700 small farmers delivering their harvest here and benefiting from fair prices for their quality coffee. 30ml Coffeeroasters distinguishes itself by focusing on both quality and sustainability, choosing suppliers who treat people and the environment responsibly. The coffee is traceable to the source, giving coffee lovers confidence that every step, from plantation to cup, is ethically responsible. Moreover, the specialty grade of these beans means farmers receive a premium, contributing to better living conditions and sustainable farming practices.

With its refined and floral character, this Guji Shakiso is perfect for gentle brewing methods. Filter brews such as hand-poured V60, Chemex, or AeroPress highlight the bright layers of flavor and aroma beautifully. Preferably use freshly ground beans and water around 92 °C to allow the delicate flavors to fully shine. Thanks to the balanced medium-light roast, it also works as an elegant espresso or lungo: the cup remains smooth and sweet, with subtle jasmine and fruit tones that are still noticeable even in milk drinks. Feel free to experiment with different brewing methods, from slow coffee to French press, to highlight favorite flavor accents from this bean.

This Ethiopian coffee consistently scores highly with connoisseurs. It is a Grade 1 specialty lot, the highest quality classification for Ethiopian coffee. In international tastings, Guji Shakiso receives much praise, with the renowned magazine Coffee Review awarding a comparable coffee from this region a score of 92 out of 100. Independent coffee reviewers also laud its rich taste; a specialized review rated a Shakisso washed coffee at about 8.9/10, praising especially its balance, sweetness, and fruity touch. Such evaluations underline that Ethiopië Guji Shakiso belongs to the top tier of specialty coffees and is regarded as exceptional by coffee professionals.

Beans from 30ml Coffeeroasters are packed in high-quality, resealable bags to guarantee freshness. A standard package contains 250 grams of coffee, with larger formats (1 kg and 3 kg) available for those stocking up. The packaging design is sleek and minimalist, typically a white or aluminum-colored bag with the black 30ml logo and a clear label listing origin, variety, and tasting notes. Each bag features a one-way valve that releases excess gas while keeping oxygen out, preserving aromas and flavors optimally. In addition, 30ml often uses recyclable packaging materials, which aligns with their sustainable approach.

Ethiopië Guji Shakiso is easy to purchase via the 30ml Coffeeroasters webshop and in 30ml coffee bars. Fresh stock is typically shipped after the harvest, meaning this single origin is available in limited seasonal batches. The price for a 250 g bag is around €12 to €13, while larger quantities are relatively more economical, with 3 kg costing about €135 (roughly €45 per kilo). Orders can be placed online, and shipping is free for totals above €50. Curious drinkers can also taste or take away Guji Shakiso at one of the 30ml locations, bringing a piece of Ethiopian coffee culture straight home at a fair price for both consumer and producer.