Yirgacheffe is the benchmark for washed Ethiopian coffee — arguably the most recognisable single origin in the world. Located within the Sidama Zone in southern Ethiopia at 1,700-2,200m, Yirgacheffe coffees produced by the washed process express an unmistakeable floral-citrus-tea profile that no other origin replicates. The jasmine and bergamot aromatics are produced by the combination of heirloom variety genetics, altitude-driven slow cherry development, and clean washed processing that preserves fruit clarity. Key washing stations: Kochere, Konga, Aricha, Gedeb.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 89 | Excellent conditions; outstanding washed and natural Yirgacheffe across key cooperatives. |
| 2022 | 93 | Benchmark Yirgacheffe season; finest cherry quality in a decade. |
| 2021 | 84 | Very good conditions; classic Yirgacheffe floral-citrus precision. |
| 2020 | 88 | Excellent growing season; precise rainfall timing produced exceptional cherry concentration. |
| 2019 | 72 | Irregular rainfall timing in Yirgacheffe; cherry development delayed. Good but not exceptional crop. |