"Upon grinding, the aroma presents blueberry, purple grape, peach, bergamot and a delicate hint of rose. On the palate, blueberry jam and Kyoho grape lead, followed by ripe peach, bergamot and frangipani. Soft rose florals continue through the finish, with a full, layered character."

This coffee belongs to the Jacky Lai Selection Series, associated with Taiwan’s 2014 World Coffee Roasting Champion. Jacky’s work centres on sensory evaluation and the relationship between green coffee quality and roasting. Lot S26/01 is a natural Guji selection from the 2026 harvest. It brings the series’ focus on expressive Ethiopian coffees to a distinct, traceable seasonal lot.

Grown above 2,300 metres in Guji, within Ethiopia’s Oromia region, this coffee comes from a highland environment where cool temperatures generally slow cherry maturation. Elevation influences both the development of the fruit and the conditions under which it is harvested. Guji’s varied landscapes support coffees with a broad range of aromatic and fruit characteristics. This selection expresses that regional identity through a natural preparation.

The variety is listed as Ethiopian Heirloom, a collective term used for locally cultivated Arabica material. Ethiopia’s coffee population contains considerable genetic diversity, including regional landraces and agricultural selections. The heirloom designation reflects that broader background rather than identifying one specific cultivar. It places this coffee within the diverse agricultural heritage of its origin.

Natural processing keeps the seed inside the whole cherry during drying. The skin, pulp and mucilage remain around the coffee until the dried fruit is removed during milling. This preparation makes moisture management and even drying important to the condition of the finished green coffee. For lot S26/01, the resulting profile combines concentrated berry and grape character with citrus and floral detail.

Presented as Grade 1, this selection pairs its Ethiopian origin with a defined harvest and lot reference. The S26/01 designation distinguishes it from earlier releases in the Jacky Lai Selection Series. Its character moves from substantial fruit sweetness towards a more delicate floral finish. Together, origin, selection and natural preparation give the coffee a clear identity within the series.

Variety : Ethiopian Heirloom
Altitude : 2,300+ masl
Process : Natural
Origin : Guji, Oromia