Ethiopian Coffee – Sidama G2 (Grade 2)

Sidama (sometimes spelled Sidamo) is one of Ethiopia’s most storied coffee regions, located in the southern part of the country. It produces some of the most aromatic, sweet, and fruit-forward coffees in the world. Grade 2 (G2) designates washed coffees that meet high standards for cleanliness and cup quality, just one step below the flawless Grade 1 lots, and often offering exceptional value and character.

Origin Details

• Region: Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

• Sub-region Example: Bensa, Aleta Wendo, or Dara districts

• Washing Station: Varies; hundreds of small cooperative- and privately-owned washing stations operate here

• Number of Farmers: Each washing station may aggregate cherries from 600–2,000 smallholder farmers, often farming less than 1 hectare

• Altitude: 1,700–2,200 masl

• Varieties: Heirloom landraces (such as 74110, 74112) – often referred to collectively as Ethiopian heirloom

• Processing: Fully washed with wet fermentation, then dried on raised beds

Bean Characteristics

Sidama G2 beans are:

• Small to medium in size, dense, with distinctive oval shapes

• Known for floral aromatics, lively acidity, and layered fruit notes

• Typically clean and tea-like, with excellent structure and sweetness

Kigina Hill is a prized microregion in Kayanza Province, Burundi’s most renowned coffee-growing area. Known for producing small, meticulously sorted lots, Kigina Hill sits at high elevation with fertile, volcanic soils and a mild climate that allows slow bean development—ideal conditions for cultivating top-tier specialty coffee.

Origin Details

• Region: Kigina Hill, Kayanza Province, Northern Burundi

• Washing Station: Often associated with the Greenco or Long Miles Coffee Project networks

• Number of Farmers: ~800–1,200 smallholder farmers contribute to Kigina Hill microlots, each typically farming less than one hectare

• Altitude: 1,800–2,000 masl

• Varieties: Red Bourbon

• Processing: Fully washed with a double fermentation process, soaked overnight, then dried on raised beds

Bean Characteristics

Coffee from Kigina Hill is known for:

• Small to medium bean size (typical for Bourbon), but high density

• Exceptional sweetness and vibrant acidity

• Floral aromatics and red fruit notes

• Balanced structure with a clean, tea-like body