Ethiopia Wassa
Region: Bura Wereda, Sidama
Altitude: 1990 – 2190 masl
Coffee varieties: Heirloom varieties
Process: Natural
Drying: Dried over 12 – 13 days
Cupping notes: Strawberry Zapparoli, Juneberry
Cupping score: 87.5
Established in 2021 by owner and producer Assefa Dukamo Korma, Wasa Station is a prominent coffee processing hub nestled in the high-altitude terrain of Bura Wereda, within Ethiopia’s celebrated Sidama region.
The station derives its unique character from its geographic positioning and deep cultural roots. Perched at an elite elevation of 2,100 to 2,300 meters above sea level, it is named after the neighboring kebele, Keramo. In the local Sidamic language, “Keramo” holds a dual meaning that perfectly encapsulates the station’s geography: it refers to a place situated at the foot of a mountain, while also translating to the act of climbing a mountain.
Sourcing & Community Collaboration
Wasa Station operates as a vital community anchor, working in close collaboration with 240 local farmers and coffee suppliers. The station preserves the distinct regional terroir by sourcing its cherries from three primary surrounding areas known for producing exceptional micro-lots.
To maintain strict quality control over its high-altitude harvests, the station features robust processing infrastructure designed for meticulous lot management with 18 Washing Tanks & 140 Drying Beds.
Wasa Station utilizes a precise Natural Processing method. Once harvested, the cherries are carefully spread across the drying beds, ensuring they are kept at an optimal thickness to prevent over-fermentation. Under constant monitoring, the cherries undergo a slow, uniform drying cycle that takes between 16 to 20 days to reach perfect moisture levels.
Sebastian Korfanty (verified owner) –
If you enjoy funky-tasting coffees, these are the beans you’ve been waiting for ;). The fermentation notes are well integrated but unmistakable. These are my second-favourite beans I’ve ever encountered, with the top spot held by Uganda Kingha (extended fermentation), which you sold back in December 2021. It’s been a long wait, but I’m fully stocked now, and the freezer is ready ;).
Thank you, as always, for the great selection and roasting!
Colin (verified owner) –
These beans kept jamming my coffee machine’s grinder. I had to clear the jam five times, and eventually I was forced to bin the coffee. I’ve never had this issue with any other beans—my Sage normally handles everything without a problem. It wasn’t a mechanical fault either the machine was serviced last year, and once I switched to a different coffee the issue disappeared.
When I did manage to make a cup, it tasted lovely, but unfortunately I won’t be buying this coffee again.