Origin: Ethiopia
Region: Bench Woreda, Bench Maji Zone
Farm: Bench Maji Forest Cooperative Union
Producer: Bench Maji Forest Cooperative Union
Ferment: Washed
Variety: Heirloom Arabica
Altitude: 1900–2000 m
Roast Profile: Omni
Recommended Rest: 7 days for filter · 14 days for espresso
Tasting notes
Green tea, Apricot, High body, Medium acidity, High sweetness
Bench Maji – A Floral, Vegetal, and Sweet Coffee with a Generous Body
Famous for its wild coffee forests and remarkable genetic diversity, the Bench Maji region stands as one of the most remote and captivating areas in southwestern Ethiopia. Grown at elevations between 1,900 and 2,000 meters, this coffee comes from local, non–genetically modified heirloom varieties that thrive naturally in the highlands.
The beans are processed using the washed method by the Bench Maji Forest Cooperative Union, an organization committed to sustainable practices and exceptional quality. The result is a coffee that beautifully expresses the region’s unique terroir—floral, subtly vegetal, naturally sweet, and supported by a generous, satisfying body.
Heirloom & Washed – Clarity and Sweet Structure
The heirloom varieties grown in Bench Maji deliver a distinctly different flavor experience compared to the profiles commonly associated with Yirgacheffe or Sidamo. In this region, floral and gently vegetal notes take center stage, creating a unique and expressive cup.
The washed processing method enhances this clarity and balance, allowing the coffee’s natural sweetness and textured body to shine. The result is a clean, structured cup with medium, refined acidity—elegant, layered, and true to the character of Bench Maji’s heirloom genetics.
Sensory Profile – Green Tea, Ripe Apricots, and Silky Sweetness
In the cup, this coffee reveals a distinctive combination of green tea–like clarity and ripe apricot sweetness—an uncommon pairing that delivers both comfort and intrigue. The body is surprisingly generous for a washed Ethiopian coffee, and its natural sweetness is noticeable from the first sip through the lingering aftertaste.
It’s the kind of coffee that gently challenges the palate without overwhelming it—smooth, refined, yet full of character. Perfect for those who enjoy tea-like elegance, silky texture, and subtle, naturally sweet flavors.
Coffee cultivation sustains the livelihoods of nearly 15% of Ethiopia’s population and remains the country’s most important export. Yet, climate change threatens to reduce the areas suitable for coffee production, posing significant challenges for the communities that depend on it.
For those seeking something beyond the classic Ethiopian florals
Bench Maji offers a fresh perspective, a coffee for the curious, for those eager to discover a different expression of Ethiopia. Its profile is more vegetal, rounder, and notably less common than the bright florals typically associated with regions like Yirgacheffe or Sidamo.
This makes Bench Maji an excellent choice for clean, expressive filter brews and delicate espressos with a surprising twist. It’s a coffee that expands your understanding of Ethiopia’s vast and diverse coffee landscape.
