Region & Environment
High in Ethiopia’s Guji Zone, the Hambela Wamena district is home to the Buku Abel station. The area is known for its pristine forests, cool highland air, and fertile volcanic soil. Sitting between 2,100 and 2,350 meters above sea level, Buku Abel enjoys steady rainfall and a long, slow cherry maturation period that enhances sweetness and flavor complexity. Smallholder farmers in the surrounding hills grow heirloom coffee under mixed forest shade, preserving the biodiversity that defines this origin. The result is a cup that reflects the richness of the land and the dedication of the people who cultivate it.
Community & Craft
Buku Abel represents the combined effort of smallholder farmers who deliver ripe cherries to the local processing station each day. Its reputation grew internationally in 2017 when one of its lots won the Ethiopia Cup of Excellence, praised for its floral aroma and vibrant fruit character. That winning lot earned the name “Flower Queen,” which has since become synonymous with Hambela’s most expressive and aromatic coffees. The title reflects the care and precision of farmers and workers who hand-pick, sort, and process each batch with remarkable attention to detail.
Processing Method
This coffee was processed using the natural method. Only fully ripe cherries were accepted, then floated in water to remove underripes before being spread thinly on raised drying beds. The cherries were turned regularly over the course of two to three weeks to ensure even drying and prevent overfermentation. Once the moisture content reached about 11.3 percent, the dried cherries were hulled and graded to a density of 858 grams per liter with a defect rate of around three percent. The result is a clean, fruit-forward coffee that captures the essence of its high-altitude environment.
What Makes It Special
Buku Abel embodies the heart of Ethiopian coffee. Its combination of altitude, climate, and traditional handcrafting yields a cup that is delicate, expressive, and full of life. More than just a coffee, it represents the collaboration of local farmers, the integrity of natural processing, and the unmatched biodiversity of Guji’s highlands. Each harvest is a testament to Ethiopia’s legacy as the birthplace of Arabica and the continuing artistry of its people.
