A new variety that has recently surfaced in Colombia, this coffee strain became popular after it took 6th place at the 2021 Cup of Excellence and has spread since then. This plant has a distinctive pepper like aroma as the coffee cherries are picked, hence the “Aji” naming (Aji is the south American word for chili peppers). A genetic analysis suggested the plants are likely derived from an Ethiopian landrace, so, similar to the pink bourbon, it’s unlikely this is a true bourbon. If the origins are truly from Ethiopia, it would not surprise us. Our samples tasted very similar to a washed Ethiopian coffee, with high floral characteristics, a zippy, layered acidity, and lots of sweetness.