No wild fermentation, no descriptions covering half the label. Ethiopia Goro from Prodigal Roasters focuses on the most challenging aspect of coffee—an honest, classic blend with no room for error. In the cup, you’ll find floral notes, juicy citrus, and stone fruits, behind which lies a subtle hint of anise—a signature you’ll only discover after a few sips. It’s a perfectly balanced coffee that never becomes monotonous, making it the ideal companion for the entire day—from your first morning cup to the one you treat yourself to just for the joy of it. A classic that doesn’t need to shout to be remembered by everyone.
The beans come from the Guji region in southern Ethiopia, which in recent years has built a reputation as one of the country’s most interesting growing regions, boldly competing with its more famous neighbors from Yirgacheffe and Sidama. So-called “heirloom” varieties grow here—that is, native local varieties that have evolved naturally over centuries in Ethiopia, the cradle of Arabica. The lot was processed at the Goro washing station, which has been in operation since 2013 and employs 7 permanent and about 100 seasonal workers. Behind it is Habtamu Fekadu Aga, a man you’ll encounter at virtually every turn in the Ethiopian coffee scene. The Prodigal roastery is just beginning its collaboration with him and is already announcing that more of his coffees will be added to its lineup this year.
The processing method is officially washed, but with a slight twist. When the pulp was removed, about 10% of the mucilage—a sweet, slimy layer—remained on the beans, so it was essentially a miniature version of the honey process. This was followed by a 24-hour fermentation, hand-washing, and slow shade drying, during which the beans were regularly turned and sorted to remove any defects. The remaining mucilage added an extra touch of subtle sweetness to the cup, while the fermentation and washing ensured the clarity and balance you’d expect from this method. This is precisely where the calm and stability you can taste in your cup come from.