BENCH MAJI, Ethiopia (Washed) Specialty Coffee

Bench Maji – A floral, vegetal and sweet coffee with a generous body

Known for its wild coffees and the genetic diversity of its coffee trees, the Bench Maji area is one of the most remote and fascinating regions in southwestern Ethiopia. Grown at high altitudes, between 1900 and 2000 m, this coffee comes from local, non-genetically modified heirloom varieties and is washed processed by the Bench Maji Forest Cooperative Union – an organization dedicated to sustainability and quality.

Heirloom & washed – clarity and sweet structure

The heirloom varieties from this area offer a deeply different flavor than what we are used to in Yirgacheffe or Sidamo. Here, floral and vegetal influences come to the fore.
The washed processing accentuates this clarity and balance , allowing the development of a full, sweet and textured body, supported by medium, elegant acidity.

Sensory profile – green tea, ripe apricots and a silky sweetness

In the cup, this coffee stands out with notes of green tea and apricot , a rare combination that creates a comforting yet memorable sensory experience.
The body is surprisingly high for a washed coffee from Ethiopia, and the natural sweetness is felt from the first contact to the aftertaste.

It's the kind of coffee that challenges you without being intense – smooth, but with personality. Ideal for those who appreciate the clarity of tea, its smooth texture and slightly sweet notes .

Growing coffee provides income for about 15 percent of Ethiopia's population and is the country's top export. Climate change is likely to shrink the land suitable for coffee, thereby also hurting the livelihoods of many people.

For those looking for something other than classic Ethiopian florals

Bench Maji is a coffee for the curious – for those who want to explore another side of Ethiopia, more vegetal, rounder, less commonly encountered.
An excellent choice for clear filters and delicate espressos with an unexpected twist.