Ethiopia
NATURAL SIDAMA GR 4
Sidama
Dark Chocolate | Nuts | Medium Acidity | Complex | Comforting
Natural · In Stock
Grading
Grade 4 (Blender)
Commercial-grade Ethiopian coffee, also called blender grade. 24-60 defects per 300 grams. Not specialty, but useful when you need Ethiopian character in blends at competitive prices.
Definition
What Grade 4 means
Grade 4 allows 24-60 full defects per 300-gram sample. This is well below specialty threshold but represents a significant portion of Ethiopian coffee production. It's often called "blender" grade because that's its primary use.
Grade 4 isn't garbage coffee. It's coffee that didn't receive the sorting and selection needed for higher grades. Origin character is still there--just with more visual defects and potential cup inconsistency. Priced accordingly.
Grade 4 specifications
Full defects allowed
24-60 per 300g
Specialty grade
No
Primary use
Blend components
Price tier
Lowest
Also called
Blender grade, commercial
Why Roasters Care
When Grade 4 makes sense
Blend building
Need Ethiopian fruit notes in a dark roast blend? G4 delivers the character at a price that makes blends work.
Cost-sensitive accounts
Some wholesale accounts need lower prices. G4 in a blend lets you serve them without sacrificing all quality.
Dark roast forgiving
Darker roasts mask some defects. G4 developed to second crack can cup acceptable.
Natural process
Much G4 is natural process. You can still get fruit notes--just expect some quakers and off-beans.
Volume needs
G4 is more available than higher grades. For large-volume commercial needs, supply is consistent.
Know what you're getting
G4 is G4. Don't expect it to cup like G1. Set appropriate expectations and it can fill a role.
Honest Assessment
When Grade 4 doesn't work
Single origin offerings
Defects can't hide in a single origin. G4 as a featured coffee will disappoint.
Light roast applications
Light roasts reveal everything. Defects that hide in dark roasts show clearly.
Specialty positioning
If you're marketing specialty, G4 undermines that position. Customers will notice.
Quality-focused accounts
Discerning wholesale accounts will reject G4. Know your customer.
Need Ethiopian for blends?
Let's discuss your blend needs and find the right grade for each application.