Ethiopian Banko Michicha: Washed Apex

Bright and delicate, this washed Guji is a contrast to its natural counterpart. Think Meyer lemon sweetness, melon, and buttery toffee, layered over a light, tea-like body. It recalls the clarity of a Yirgacheffe crossed with the herbal depth of DR Congo Muungano. It's vibrant yet nuanced, and perfect for pour-over drinkers who love elegant, citrus-forward coffees.

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and every sip proves why it’s legendary. Centuries of tradition and unmatched skill create flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Expect bright citrus, lush fruit, sweet florals, and tea-like elegance.

This is the second year that Higher Grounds has purchased these lots, and we're impressed with the consistent quality of the flavor profile. We've purchased Ethiopian coffees for years, primarily as important components in two of our favorite blends, but the Guji Ethiopian lots once again demand to be enjoyed on their own.

Additional Descriptors: Toffee, pistachio, Earl Grey tea, savory, citrus zest

Sourced from the Guji region of Ethiopia, the Banko Michicha: Washed Apex by Higher Grounds Trading Co. offers a refined expression of its origin. Because this coffee undergoes a washed process, the cup profile emphasizes clarity and acidity, allowing the delicate nuances of the bean to shine through without the heavy influence of fruit fermentation often found in natural-processed coffees.

The resulting profile features a complex interplay of bright citrus notes like Meyer lemon and zest, balanced by the grounding sweetness of buttery toffee and pistachio. Hints of melon and Earl Grey tea add a sophisticated, savory dimension to the experience. To better understand how these specific descriptors relate to the broader spectrum of coffee characteristics, you can consult our flavor wheel. This selection serves as a quintessential example of the elegance and aromatic depth that define high-quality washed coffees from the Guji zone.