Burundi: Gatara Masha

We are excited to bring you another coffee out of Burundi. Masha Station is a coffee cherry collection site located in Gatara Commune, Kayanza, Burundi's northern province that borders neighboring Rwanda. The washing station acts as a central delivery site for a few thousand small holder famers who occupy the hills surrounding Masha. The name comes from the Kirundi word "amasho" that means "herds of cattle". That makes sense seeing that cattle herding just might rival coffee farming in the Masha region! Farmers grow mostly older bourbon types, the original coffee cultivar introduced to the area in the 1930s by Catholic monks traveling from the island of Reunion. Masha coffee washing station ("CWS") sits at just under 1700 meters above sea level, and many of the farmers have coffee planted much higher than this. They've been around since 1989, and in 2012 were top placement in Burundi Cup of Excellence competition, no small task. This is another beautiful Farm Gate coffee that is good for espresso.

Cupping Notes: honey, sugar in the raw, honeysuckle, spiced flecks of cinnamon and allspice, dried papaya cascara fruit tea notes

Brew Recommendations: Drip, French Press, pour over, espresso

Farm Gate Coffee: Farmers paid at least 50% above Fair Trade

Varietal: Bourbon

Region: Gatara Commune, Kayanza Province

Altitude: 1700+ meters

Process: Wet processed (washed) and patio sun-dried on raised beds

Equity Pricing (EP) Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Sourced from the Gatara Commune in the Kayanza Province, this Burundi: Gatara Masha lot represents the meticulous output of the Masha Station. The coffee is composed of the Bourbon varietal, a plant historically celebrated for its balanced sweetness and complex acidity. By utilizing a washed process, the producers have highlighted the inherent clarity of the bean, allowing the delicate profile of honey, honeysuckle, and spiced notes like cinnamon and allspice to shine through.

Offered by Keia & Martyn's Coffee, this selection showcases the distinct terroir of the region. While washed coffees are often prized for their clean, vibrant profiles, the inclusion of dried papaya and cascara tea notes adds a layer of depth that invites exploration. For those looking to better identify these specific nuances, referencing a flavor wheel can be an excellent way to navigate the intricate interplay between the raw sugar sweetness and the subtle, spiced finish found in this cup.