Ugandan Wahata (Elgon)
Ugandan Coffee – Wahata (Mount Elgon Region)
Wahata coffee hails from the fertile slopes of Mount Elgon, an ancient extinct volcano straddling eastern Uganda and western Kenya. This region is rapidly gaining attention in the specialty coffee world for producing vibrant, high-elevation Arabica with a unique mix of sweetness, structure, and spice. "Wahata" refers to both a trade name and regional identity tied to select high-quality microlots from this area, particularly those cultivated by smallholder farmers in Bugisu or Kapchorwa zones.
Origin Details
Region: Wahata area, Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda (often within Bugisu or Kapchorwa)
Cooperative Example: Often sourced from groups like Gumutindo Cooperative or similar smallholder networks
Number of Farmers: ~1,000–1,500 smallholder farmers per cooperative; farms are small (0.5–2 hectares)
Altitude: 1,600–2,200 masl
Varieties: SL28, Nyasaland, Blue Mountain, and local landraces
Processing: Fully washed, sometimes honey-processed; typically sun-dried on raised beds
Bean Characteristics
Wahata coffee beans are known for:
Medium-to-large size with moderate density
A balance of ripe fruit, spice, and cocoa
Rich aromatic depth with smooth acidity
A structured, winey profile, reminiscent of neighboring Kenyan coffees but with more warmth and
Ugandan Coffee – Wahata (Mount Elgon Region)
Wahata coffee hails from the fertile slopes of Mount Elgon, an ancient extinct volcano straddling eastern Uganda and western Kenya. This region is rapidly gaining attention in the specialty coffee world for producing vibrant, high-elevation Arabica with a unique mix of sweetness, structure, and spice. "Wahata" refers to both a trade name and regional identity tied to select high-quality microlots from this area, particularly those cultivated by smallholder farmers in Bugisu or Kapchorwa zones.
Origin Details
Region: Wahata area, Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda (often within Bugisu or Kapchorwa)
Cooperative Example: Often sourced from groups like Gumutindo Cooperative or similar smallholder networks
Number of Farmers: ~1,000–1,500 smallholder farmers per cooperative; farms are small (0.5–2 hectares)
Altitude: 1,600–2,200 masl
Varieties: SL28, Nyasaland, Blue Mountain, and local landraces
Processing: Fully washed, sometimes honey-processed; typically sun-dried on raised beds
Bean Characteristics
Wahata coffee beans are known for:
Medium-to-large size with moderate density
A balance of ripe fruit, spice, and cocoa
Rich aromatic depth with smooth acidity
A structured, winey profile, reminiscent of neighboring Kenyan coffees but with more warmth and
Ugandan Coffee – Wahata (Mount Elgon Region)
Wahata coffee hails from the fertile slopes of Mount Elgon, an ancient extinct volcano straddling eastern Uganda and western Kenya. This region is rapidly gaining attention in the specialty coffee world for producing vibrant, high-elevation Arabica with a unique mix of sweetness, structure, and spice. "Wahata" refers to both a trade name and regional identity tied to select high-quality microlots from this area, particularly those cultivated by smallholder farmers in Bugisu or Kapchorwa zones.
Origin Details
Region: Wahata area, Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda (often within Bugisu or Kapchorwa)
Cooperative Example: Often sourced from groups like Gumutindo Cooperative or similar smallholder networks
Number of Farmers: ~1,000–1,500 smallholder farmers per cooperative; farms are small (0.5–2 hectares)
Altitude: 1,600–2,200 masl
Varieties: SL28, Nyasaland, Blue Mountain, and local landraces
Processing: Fully washed, sometimes honey-processed; typically sun-dried on raised beds
Bean Characteristics
Wahata coffee beans are known for:
Medium-to-large size with moderate density
A balance of ripe fruit, spice, and cocoa
Rich aromatic depth with smooth acidity
A structured, winey profile, reminiscent of neighboring Kenyan coffees but with more warmth and