Kisunga (Sold out)

This coffee comes from the Virunga region in North Kivu. Bordering on Uganda and Rwanda the terroir in this region is ideal for high quality fruity coffees with a heavy mouthfeel and unique black tea and vanilla notes. This particular lot comes from the washing station in Virunga. The mountain range is famous for housing the Virunga National park where park rangers fight to protect gorillas from poachers.

Robusta is native to DRC but arabica was introduced by the Belgians during the colonisation in the late 1800s. In the 1970s and 80s production high a peak with the country becoming the biggest producer on the continent. In the 90s there was a massive decline due to civil war and coffee plant disease. Over the last couple of decades we have seen a resurgence of coffee from here and are super excited to share this one with you.

Sourced from the Virunga region of North Kivu, the Kisunga lot represents the unique profile of Arabica coffee cultivated within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This specific offering, roasted by Caravan Coffee Roasters, utilizes a washed processing method. Generally, washed coffees are celebrated for their ability to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean, often resulting in a cleaner cup profile compared to other processing methods.

The tasting notes for this coffee—fruity, black tea, and vanilla—suggest a nuanced complexity that aligns with the diverse characteristics often found in East African origins. When evaluating such profiles, enthusiasts frequently consult a flavor wheel to better identify and articulate these subtle aromatic layers. While this particular lot is currently sold out, it serves as a compelling example of the evolving specialty coffee landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, showcasing the potential for delicate, tea-like qualities in high-quality Arabica.