Ayla Bombe Washing Station

The Ayla washing station is situated in the Bombe Kebele of the Bensa woreda, within the Sidama zone of Ethiopia. This area is renowned for its high-altitude terrain, with the station itself sitting at approximately 1,950 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape, characterized by the Bombe hills and the nearby Bonora river, provides the essential water resources and temperate microclimate necessary for the slow, even maturation of coffee cherries, which is a hallmark of the region's high-quality output.

Owned and operated by Testi Specialty Coffee, a family-run enterprise founded by Faysel Yonis, the Ayla station is one of over two dozen facilities managed by the company. The station is named after one of Mr. Yonis’s nieces, reflecting the family-oriented nature of the business. As Testi Specialty Coffee has expanded its operations, Yonis has integrated his sons and nephew into key leadership roles, ensuring the continuity of their quality-focused processing standards.

The station functions as a central hub for hundreds of independent smallholder farmers—often cited between 700 and 900 contributors—who cultivate coffee on small, organic plots averaging less than two hectares. These farmers deliver their freshly harvested cherries to the station, where they are processed using both washed and natural methods. The diversity of the local ecosystem, where coffee is often intercropped with bananas and acacia trees, contributes to the complex flavor profiles found in the final cup.

Processing at Ayla is highly regarded for its precision. For washed lots, the station utilizes the water from the Bonora river to ensure a clean, clear cup profile. Natural lots undergo a meticulous drying process on raised beds, typically lasting 15 to 18 days with frequent turning to ensure consistency. The varieties processed at the station are primarily Ethiopian landraces, including JARC-released cultivars such as 74110, 74112, and 74158, alongside local varieties like Mikicho and Setami.

For the roaster and the consumer, Ayla Bombe is synonymous with the distinct, elegant characteristics of Sidama coffee. Tasting notes frequently highlight floral aromatics, such as jasmine and honeysuckle, balanced by fruit notes like raspberry, plum, and peach, often accompanied by a tea-like body. These coffees consistently achieve high SCA cupping scores, frequently landing in the 86+ range, which underscores the station's commitment to quality control and post-harvest excellence.

Beyond the technical aspects of processing, the Ayla station plays a vital role in the local economy of Bensa. By providing a reliable outlet for smallholder farmers, the station supports the livelihoods of families who have been farming coffee for generations. Testi Specialty Coffee has also been noted for initiating social projects in the area, further cementing the station's importance as a pillar of the local community.

Today, Ayla Bombe stands as a benchmark for specialty coffee production in Ethiopia. Its ability to consistently produce high-scoring, traceable lots has made it a favorite among specialty roasters globally. As the industry continues to emphasize transparency and origin-specific quality, the Ayla station remains a critical link in the supply chain, bridging the gap between the high-altitude farms of the Bombe hills and the global specialty coffee market.