Members of the Alaka Farmers Association grew this natural Ethiopian coffee in the West Guji Zone of Oromia, and METAD processed it at its Hambela Alaka washing station.
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Blackberry, plum, tangerine
- Origin
- Ethiopia, Guji
- Process
- Natural
- Roast
- Light
- Roaster
- Intelligentsia
Roast level
About this coffee
What the roaster tells us.
Members of the Alaka Farmers Association grew this natural Ethiopian coffee in the West Guji Zone of Oromia, and METAD processed it at its Hambela Alaka washing station. METAD, led by the Adinew family, has worked with Intelligentsia since 2012. The cherries were sorted and dried whole on raised beds, which gives naturals their fruit-heavy character. Intelligentsia lists blackberry, plum and tangerine and recommends it as pour-over. It’s certified organic, grown at 1,900 to 2,200 meters and sold in 10 oz bags.
Product details checked 2026-11-04. Roaster descriptions can change between lots. Tasting notes describe sensory impressions, not a guarantee of how your brew will taste.
Where it’s from
Ethiopia, Guji
RoasterIntelligentsia
OriginEthiopia, Guji
ProcessNatural
RoastLight
From farm to cup
Where it grew, how it was made, how it’s roasted.
Straight from the roaster’s listing — no guesswork added.
Step 01 · OriginGrown
Ethiopia, Guji
Step 02 · ProcessProcessed
Natural
Step 03 · RoastRoasted
Light
Before you buy
Is it right for you?
You’ll like it if…
- You enjoy bright, fruity coffees.
- You brew pour-over or drip and like a lighter body.
Maybe skip it if…
- You want a dark, roasty, classic cup.
The details
- Variety
- Ethiopian heirloom
- Altitude
- 1,900 to 2,200 m
- Producer or farm
- Alaka Farmers Association, processed by METAD
- Certifications
- Organic, Direct Trade
- Bag size
- 10 oz bag
- Price
- $26.00
- Price per ounce
- $2.60 per oz
From the roaster’s listing, checked November 4, 2026. Prices change.
About coffee from Ethiopia
Ethiopia is where arabica coffee comes from, and it still grows thousands of local heirloom varieties. Most of it is grown by smallholder farmers in regions like Yirgacheffe, Sidama and Guji. Washed Ethiopians are known for floral, citrus and tea-like flavors, and naturals for ripe berry.
What the process means
In a natural (dry) process, the whole coffee cherry dries in the sun with the fruit still on the bean. That usually gives a heavier body and riper, fruitier flavors like berry and tropical fruit.
How to brew it
Starting recipes for this roast level. Adjust grind and ratio to taste; the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
| Method | Coffee | Water | Grind | Water temp | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over Our pick | 15 g | 250 g | Medium-fine | 96°C / 205°F | 2:30–3:30 |
| French press | 30 g | 500 g | Coarse | 96°C / 205°F | 4 minutes |
| Cold brew | 100 g | 800 g | Coarse | Cold water | 12–18 hours in the fridge |
The people behind this coffee
Meet Intelligentsia
Intelligentsia started roasting in Chicago in 1995 and still roasts every bag there. Its buyers travel through the year to visit growers, and its Direct Trade program now includes more than 50 partners in 14 countries, many of them working with the roaster for over a decade. Each year the team cups, grades and releases more than 50 single origins and blends, from the Black Cat espressos it has made since the start to small, seasonal lots from Ethiopia, Kenya and Colombia. For filter coffee, Intelligentsia suggests a 1:18 coffee to water ratio as a starting point.
All Intelligentsia coffees
Espresso starting point
Dial it in
A 1:2 dose-to-yield ratio is a common place to start. Adjust grind and taste — the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
In18g
Out36g
Time25–30s
Compare
Similar coffees from other roasters
| Coffee | Roast | Origin | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural This coffee | Light | Ethiopia, Guji | Blackberry, plum, tangerine |
| Coffee on the Porch Blueberry Mountain | Light | Guatemala, Honduras, Ethiopia | Blueberry, bright, tart fruit finish |
| Kafiex Roasters Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Banko Gotiti Supernatural | Light | Gedeb, Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia | Blueberry, strawberry |
| Wonderstate Coffee Ethiopia Alo Bombe | Light | Bombe, Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia | Blueberry, Concord grape, cooked peach |
Questions
Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural FAQ
What does Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural taste like?
Intelligentsia lists tasting notes of blackberry, plum and tangerine. It's a light roast.
Where does Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural come from?
It comes from Ethiopia, Guji. The producer is Alaka Farmers Association, processed by METAD. It was grown at 1,900 to 2,200 m.
How is Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural processed?
The roaster lists the process as natural. In a natural (dry) process, the whole coffee cherry dries in the sun with the fruit still on the bean.
Is Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural good for espresso?
It can be pulled as espresso, but it's roasted light for filter brewing, so expect bright, tart shots. It shines most as pour-over or drip.
What's the best way to brew Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural?
A good starting point is pour-over: 15 g of coffee to 250 g of water, medium-fine grind, water at 96°C / 205°F, about 2:30–3:30. Adjust to taste.
Where can I buy Intelligentsia Ethiopia Alaka Natural?
You can buy it from Intelligentsia. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you order.
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