This is one of two new Rwandan naturals we're getting through Raw Material, an importer who gives 100% of profits back to coffee farmers. This is also our team member Will's favourite Rwandan coffee of the year, with juicy yet crisp notes of blackcurrant, lavender, and vanilla. Drinking this one tastes a bit like sitting in a sunny meadow on a warm day.
If you'd like to compare and contrast, you can check out our other new Rwandan natural here!
Here's a little more from Raw Material about their work:
In Rwanda, we work alongside Muraho Trading Co. This partnership helps affiliate co-operatives increase their quality of production, fetch a higher price for their coffee, and introduce them to new markets. This will be a work in progress as we gain a greater understanding of the particular challenges Rwandan coffee producers face. Through this process we can develop a model that creates incentives, generates producer buy-in, and maximises impact. We supply coffee from across Muraho’s washing stations, which are located in the Nyamasheke, Gakenke, and Nyabihu regions of Rwanda.
The Gakenke district where Bumbogo is located is known for high-quality coffee production in Rwanda. It is a highly competitive region, home to several winning Cup of Excellence lots in recent years. Bumbogo is the station closest to Kigali and was built in 2017. The station has more than doubled its production since 2018, with an impressive expanse of drying beds covering the hills surrounding the washing station itself. The station works alongside the community to provide support with coffee growing and production to ensure maximum yields.
For this lot, the cherries were hand-sorted to remove underripe or damaged cherries and any foreign objects. Cherries were floated to further remove any defective fruits and then pulped. After being sorted and cleaned, the cherries were laid out evenly across raised drying beds to provide consistent airflow and protection from animals. The cherry was dried for 30 days, turned constantly when the sun was high and covered at night. Once fully dried, the outer fruit was removed and the coffee beans were organised for packing.
Elevation: 1650-2000 meters above sea level
Varietal: Red Bourbon
Cup Score: 88
Price paid per kilo: £10.31
Process: Natural
