At a Glance
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe natural-process coffees occupy a specific, slightly mad niche in the coffee world. When they’re done well (properly sorted, dried slowly, roasted with restraint) they taste like nothing else on earth. Hasbean’s Korate is done very well.
The Origin
Yirgacheffe is a district in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia, at altitudes between 1,700 and 2,200 metres above sea level. It’s responsible for some of the most distinctive coffees produced anywhere, with a naturally jasmine-forward floral character that comes from the Heirloom varieties grown there.
The Korate washing station processes coffee from smallholder farmers in the surrounding area. Natural processing (where the coffee cherry is dried whole rather than washed) amplifies the inherent fruit character dramatically.
Aroma
From the bag: blueberry jam, dried flowers, something almost wine-like. It’s immediately different from any normal concept of what coffee smells like. This is the kind of bag you open and then offer to non-coffee-drinkers just to watch their expression. It fair stops you in your tracks.
Freshly ground and in the hopper of a brewer, it fills the room. Hasbean has roasted this lightly, sensibly, which means you’re getting fruit and flower rather than roast.
Taste: Filter Brewing
Brewed as a pour-over (Hario V60, 94°C water, 1:16 ratio), the Korate is extraordinary. The blueberry note isn’t subtle. It’s present and insistent in the best possible way. Underneath it there’s jasmine, a hint of dark chocolate on the finish, and a wine-like depth that develops as the cup cools.
Acidity is bright but not sharp. The body is light-medium, which is appropriate for this style. It’s clean, complex, and lingers pleasantly.
As the cup cools from around 60°C down, new flavours emerge: red wine, something almost like hibiscus. This is a coffee worth drinking slowly.
Is It Worth £10.50?
For what it is, absolutely. Natural Yirgacheffe coffees of this quality are rarely found under £12 in the UK specialty market. The sourcing relationship Hasbean has built in this region over many years is reflected in the cup.
If you’re used to drinking supermarket coffee, this will be a revelation. If you’re already into specialty, it’s a benchmark example of what Ethiopian naturals can do.
Limitations
This is emphatically not an everyday espresso coffee. The fruit intensity and brightness that make it magical as a filter are distracting in espresso form, unless you specifically like very fruit-forward shots.
It’s also not the coffee to drink if you want something comforting and familiar. This is for exploration, not comfort.
Who It’s Best For
- Filter coffee enthusiasts who want to experience what natural processing does
- Anyone curious about Ethiopian coffee specifically
- Coffee geeks looking for a benchmark Yirgacheffe natural to compare against
Not for: espresso drinkers, people who find acidity uncomfortable, or those who want their coffee to taste like coffee.
Verdict
One of the most distinctive coffees available from a UK roaster. Hasbean has handled the sourcing and roasting with skill, and the result is a filter coffee that genuinely earns its price. If you’ve never had a well-made Ethiopian natural, this is an excellent place to start.
Rating: 4.6/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Korate for espresso? Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. The natural processing and light roast create a very fruit-forward, acidic espresso that won’t suit everyone. For filter brewing (pour-over, Aeropress, Chemex) it’s outstanding.
How should I store this coffee? In an airtight container away from light and heat. Natural-process coffees benefit from a few days of rest after roasting (the bag will have a roast date). At its best between 7 and 21 days post-roast for filter.
What’s the difference between natural and washed Ethiopian coffees? Natural (or dry-process) coffees are dried with the fruit still on the bean, which imparts intense berry and wine-like flavours. Washed coffees have the fruit removed before drying, resulting in cleaner, brighter, more floral cups. Both styles are excellent; naturals are simply more intense and divisive. For a contrasting experience, see our Hasbean Colombia El Paraíso Washed review.