West Arsi is Sidama’s eastern neighbour, already in the state of Oromia. For years its coffee was sold as “Sidamo”, which is why it is little known, but its Nensebo stations produce high-altitude floral, citrusy washed coffees and sweet naturals with more body.
It is one of the emerging regions of Ethiopian specialty coffee.
Zone: West Arsi · Oromia
Altitude: 1,800 – 2,300 m
Farming: Smallholders
Processes: Washed and natural
Harvest: October – January
Typical profile: Floral, grapefruit, stone fruit
Where is West Arsi?
The West Arsi zone belongs to the state of Oromia and its capital is Shashamene. It borders Sidama to the west and the Bale Mountains to the east, which shape its landscape: high plateaus, grasslands and wide, open terrain.
The best-known coffee district is Nensebo, in the south of the zone, very close to the border with Sidama. Stations such as Werka, Refisa and Testi are located there.
Landscape and farming
Coffee is grown by smallholders who bring their cherry to washing stations or cooperatives. The Werka cooperative, for example, brings together more than a thousand growers, and the Testi West Arsi station has worked with around 850 since 2010. Some stations are so remote that reaching them takes hours on dirt tracks.
How it tastes by process
Washed. Very similar to Sidama’s high-altitude washed coffees: jasmine, grapefruit, hibiscus, peach or cranberry, with lively acidity. It ferments for 24 to 48 hours and dries on raised beds for 12 to 15 days.
Natural. Sweet, with jammy and red-fruit notes, and a little more body than Sidama’s citrusy, floral washed coffees.
How it differs from its neighbours
Compared with Sidama. It is the same family of cup; West Arsi naturals tend to have a little more body.
Compared with Bale and Guji. It shares the influence of the Bale Mountains and has profiles close to Guji, but is less famous than both.
Varieties
Importers’ sheets only mention unnamed local varieties. We have not found reliable data on specific varieties in West Arsi.
How to brew it
Washed coffees shine in filter (V60, Chemex, Kalita). Naturals also work in the moka pot and espresso, and hold up well with milk.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Arsi the same as Sidamo?
No. West Arsi is in Oromia and Sidama is a region in its own right. For years its coffee was sold as Sidamo because they are neighbours and their coffees are similar.
What does a Nensebo coffee taste like?
Washed, it is usually floral and citrusy, with jasmine, grapefruit and stone fruit. Natural, it is sweeter, with jammy notes.
What are Werka or Refisa?
They are washing stations in the Nensebo district. On a coffee bag they tell you where the lot comes from.
Is West Arsi in the Harenna forest?
Only a small corner. The Harenna forest is almost entirely in the Bale zone; only part of West Arsi’s Adaba district falls within it.