Introduction:This article delves into the flavor profile, origin background, and heirloom variety characteristics of the 2019 Ethiopia TOH (Taste of Harvest) washed category champion — the “Hero” lot from Uraga washing station. It also provides expert pour over recommendations, including water temperature, brew ratio, and extraction time, helping coffee enthusiasts replicate the bright jasmine floral notes and citrus tones at home.
In 2019, the winner of the washed category in the Ethiopia TOH (Taste of Harvest) green bean competition was the “Hero” washed lot produced by Uraga washing station in the Guji region. This coffee stood out with its distinctive floral and fruity aroma and vibrant acidity, featuring a flavor profile of jasmine, bergamot, lemon, apricot, and honey. Its refreshing taste and layered complexity earned it an impressive 88-point score on the international review platform Coffee Review. Roasted to a medium level, this coffee is ideal for drinkers who appreciate bright acidity and fruity profiles.
These coffee beans are grown at an altitude of approximately 2,150 meters and belong to Ethiopia’s typical Heirloom (原生种) variety group. The term Heirloom refers to the numerous wild or semi-wild coffee varieties that have evolved over time in the local environment, numbering over 3,000 types. These usually do not have individual variety names but are collectively referred to as “heirloom.” Since these coffee trees are often scattered across home gardens, forest edges, and farmland boundaries, harvesting often results in mixed varieties, which is why the beans frequently exhibit inconsistent sizes — a common trait of Ethiopian beans.
Ethiopia’s coffee ecosystem is quite unique, differing significantly from the centralized management and single-variety cultivation models commonly seen in Central and South America or most parts of Asia. Local farmers generally do not strictly sort coffee trees by variety, but rather categorize them roughly based on yield and appearance. In certain regions such as Yirgacheffe, thanks to its unique microclimate and high elevation, the Heirloom varieties produced there often exhibit intense floral notes and citrus acidity, making them stand out as some of the finest among Ethiopian heirlooms. The Guji region, where Uraga washing station is located, has also been gradually gaining recognition in recent years as a high-quality origin capable of standing alongside Yirgacheffe and Sidamo.
TOH (Taste of Harvest) is an international-level green bean competition hosted by the African Fine Coffee Association (AFCA, formerly known as the East Africa Fine Coffee Association EAFCA). Each year, major coffee-producing countries across Africa — such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Congo, and Ghana — are invited to participate. The competition consists of two stages: first, each country conducts a national selection (National Stage) to choose their top three beans, which are then sent to the AFCA annual conference for international judging (Regional Stage). This competition emphasizes quality across the entire “seed to cup” value chain and aims to discover fine coffees that represent their places of origin.
The 2019 washed category champion was the “Hero” lot from Uraga washing station. Located in a higher-altitude area of the Guji region, the station produces coffees that balance floral and fruity characteristics. This washed bean undergoes a meticulous fermentation, washing, and drying process, preserving the rich aromatic compounds of the heirloom variety. At the same time, the washed processing method reduces the risks of impurities and over-fermentation, resulting in a cleaner, brighter final cup.
For coffee lovers who wish to recreate the flavors of this champion bean at home, here are the expert-recommended pour over parameters: use water at 90°C, set the coffee-to-water ratio at 1:15, and control the total extraction time within 2 minutes. A medium-fine grind, similar in texture to granulated sugar, is advised, with a staged pouring method — for example, start with a 30% bloom pour for 30 seconds, then continue with the remaining water in stages — to help highlight the clarity of flavors. Paying attention to filter choice and pour stability can further enhance extraction consistency.
The overall flavor profile of the “Hero” washed bean features a bright floral-fruity opening with jasmine and bergamot, followed by a lively citrus acidity and apricot fruitiness in the mid-palate, and a lingering natural honey sweetness in the finish. This flavor combination is ideal for savoring the layers of black coffee and pairs wonderfully with light snacks or as a morning pick-me-up. For those new to pour over brewing, this bean not only highlights bright acidity with ease but also helps you explore the flavor differences among various origins and processing methods.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
