Ethiopia Yabitu Koba represents the pinnacle of what makes Guji Uraga one of the world's most celebrated coffee regions. Roasted by Ruby Coffee Roasters in Nelsonville, Wisconsin, this fully washed Ethiopian coffee comes from small backyard gardens in the Yabitu Koba community, where farmers cultivate heirloom varieties at some of the highest elevations in all of Ethiopia. This is Ruby's fourth consecutive season working with this specific community, a testament to the exceptional quality and consistency these growers deliver year after year.
Tasting Notes
This is Ethiopian coffee at its most refined. The cup opens with ripe peach and Meyer lemon acidity that feels juicy and bright without any sharpness. Honey sweetness threads through the mid-palate, while delicate magnolia blossom florals linger in the finish. The body is light and tea-like, allowing the clarity of flavor to shine. The acidity is vibrant but balanced, showcasing the meticulous processing at the Gogugu washing station. After 24-48 hours of fermentation and careful drying on raised beds, these beans express the crystalline sweetness and floral complexity that make washed Ethiopian coffees legendary.
Brew Methods
Yabitu Koba excels in brew methods that highlight clarity and delicate flavors. Pour over methods like V60 or Chemex bring out the floral notes and juicy acidity beautifully. Try a medium-fine grind with water just off boil (around 200°F) and a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. For espresso lovers, this coffee pulls a stunning shot with bright citrus notes and honeyed sweetness—dial in slightly coarser than you might expect to preserve the florals. AeroPress with a longer bloom time (45-60 seconds) also produces an exceptionally clean cup that showcases the peach and magnolia characteristics.
About the Origin
The Yabitu Koba community brings their cherries to the Gogugu washing station, managed by SNAP Specialty Coffee. Founded by entrepreneur Negusse Debela in 2017, SNAP has established a reputation for quality by controlling every stage of processing, from the washing stations in Guji, Nensebo, and Yirgacheffe through their own dry mill completed in 2019. This vertical integration ensures consistency and allows for the meticulous attention to detail that produces a cup with exceptional clarity. Most farmers here work plots under five hectares, cultivating coffee in the traditional backyard garden style that has defined Ethiopian coffee culture for generations.
The Clive Coffee team is always available to help you dial in the perfect grinder settings for this delicate Ethiopian coffee, or recommend brewing equipment that will bring out its finest qualities. Whether you're new to light-roasted African coffees or a seasoned enthusiast, Yabitu Koba offers a compelling introduction to what makes Guji Uraga one of the world's most exciting coffee origins.