N°65 - Guji Hambela - Ethiopia

No. 65 – GUJI HAMBELA

A luminous Ethiopian natural, somewhere between candied raspberry and golden biscuit

🌍 Country – Ethiopia
📍 Region – Guji (Hambela / Deri)
🌿 Producer / Station – Lensa Gari Washing Station.
🔬 Variety – Heirloom
☀️ Process – Natural (dried on African beds, sorted by flotation)
⛰ Altitude – 1,800 – 2,100 m
⚖️ Format – 250 g
🏆 Scoring – 84 SCA

The terroir & the practice

Guji Hambela is a cornerstone of the Guji terroir: high altitude, shade forests, and volcanic soils promote a slow and concentrated ripening of the cherries. The lot we offer comes from the Lensa Gari Washing Station ; upon arrival, the cherries are sorted—including by flotation—then spread out and dried on African drying beds for controlled aromatic development. These steps guarantee the homogeneity and clear aromatic expression characteristic of the finest Guji naturals.

What we perceive

Upon opening the sachet, the aroma is striking: a buttery wafer , immediately revealing a ripe and luscious raspberry . In the cup, the flavor profile unfolds with clarity:

• Juicy, tangy and very pure raspberry ;

• Cereals providing roundness and long-lasting flavor;

• A touch of bright vanilla that adds even more indulgence to the finish.

The cup & extraction recommendations

This natural element reveals its complexity in two complementary ways:

• Espresso — recommended for lovers of controlled intensity: tight extraction (or short and long): the concentration accentuates the candied raspberry and the biscuity sweetness, giving an addictive retro-olfaction.

• Gentle method (V60 / Kalita / Chemex) — for those seeking transparency and finesse: the raspberry becomes more airy, the cereal notes remain present but in the background, offering a touch of gourmand vanilla.

Guji Hambela is the very definition of a terroir-driven natural wine: expressive without being overly sweet, it combines fruity purity with a luscious texture . Its immediately "identifiable" character—that raspberry wafer biscuit aroma—makes it a must-have for customers who appreciate fruity yet structured profiles.