Ethiopië Organic Filter

The coffee grows in southern Ethiopia at the Dimtu Tero estate in the Guji region. This 151-hectare estate is located in Odo Shakiso and was founded in 2016 by coffee farmer Getachew Zeleke. The coffee shrubs here grow at 1,800–2,150 meters in the shade of surrounding forests. Guji coffee is known for its aromatic complexity, and this harvest is no exception.

Boot roasts this coffee relatively light, at an intensity of about 3 out of 5. This profile is tailored to filter brewing methods, so the delicate floral and fruity notes are preserved. Boot offers both a filter and an espresso variant of this Ethiopian bean, each with its own roasting profile. Thanks to the gentle roast, the filter coffee yields a smooth cup without a bitter aftertaste.

This coffee shines with a floral aroma, think jasmine and lavender, paired with bright citrus accents. Many tasting notes also mention shades of lemon or bergamot for extra freshness. In the background, a hint of milk chocolate adds more roundness and body. Through this balance of floral, fresh, and sweet, a layered flavor experience emerges in the cup. Some also taste a touch of ripe cherry, which further increases the complexity.

After fermentation and washing of the cherries, the beans are spread on raised beds to dry in the Ethiopian sun (see photo). This washed processing method delivers a clean, bright coffee flavor that lets the floral and citrus nuances shine. Getachew also invests in modern processing equipment, which contributes to the high quality of this coffee. The current lot comes from the 2023/2024 harvest, ensuring freshly picked beans.

The Ethiopië Organic Filter is 100% Arabica, a mix of local Ethiopian "heirloom" varieties. Heirloom refers to indigenous coffee varieties in Ethiopia that are often wild or genetically undetermined. Ethiopia is considered the cradle of Arabica and has an enormous diversity of coffee plants. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 different varieties fall under the umbrella term heirloom. This genetic wealth explains the complex flavor profile of many Ethiopian coffees.

This coffee is organically certified (EKO label) and grown without chemical pesticides. The project involves about 416 smallholder farmers who participate as equal partners, and they receive a fair price for their coffee cherries, often 30–50% above the prevailing Fair Trade price, thanks to Boot’s direct purchasing. Production and processing are organic, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly, independently certified by BCS ÖKO, NOP (US), EU Bio, and JAS (Japan). In addition, the farmers receive premiums, interest-free loans, new coffee seedlings, and training to further improve productivity and quality.

A few tips to brew this filter coffee at its best:

• Choose an appropriate brewing method: manual pour-over (e.g., Hario V60, Chemex), AeroPress, cafetière, or a good filter machine.
• Grind the beans just before use. A medium-fine grind (like coarse table salt) is ideal for pour-over coffee.
• Dose about 60 g of coffee per liter of water (±30 g per 500 ml) for a balanced extraction.
• Use fresh water at ~92–96 °C and let the coffee bloom (preinfuse) for ~30 seconds after pouring.
• Aim for a brew time of about 3–4 minutes for a full cup without over-extraction.

This coffee has received its share of recognition:

• Finalist at the Good Food Awards, a prestigious competition that underscores quality.
• Specialty coffee classification with a high cupping score (±84+ on the 100-point SCA scale).
• Coffee experts praise the unique profile; a Q-grader, for example, lauded the lavender, eucalyptus, and juniper berry notes in this coffee.
• Consumers are enthusiastic: buyers rated this coffee 10/10 in reviews.
• Boot Koffie as a brand averages 9/10 from customers.

The beans are packed in a gold-colored 250 g bag with an aroma valve and a resealable strip, made from fully recyclable plastic without aluminum. This packaging design won a “Best New Packaging Solution” award at an international coffee trade show and was nominated for a Dutch packaging prize in 2016. The label lists the country of origin, the estate, and the farmer’s name, Boot deliberately names the farmer for transparency. The bag also bears the EU organic label as proof that the coffee meets strict organic standards.

This single-origin is available year-round at Boot and costs about €12 per 250 g (e.g., €11.99). For high-volume use, the coffee also comes in 1 kg packaging, often at a slightly keener price per kilo. The beans can be ordered via the Boot Koffie webshop or bought at the store in Baarn; specialist webshops also carry them. Within the Netherlands, shipping is free from €45, and Boot can ship internationally on request.