Rwanda: Rubavu Rwinyoni

Rwinyoni washing station is located near the eastern shores of Lake Kivu, in Rwanda's Rubavu district. They are currently buying from nearly 1,000 small farmers in this region, some with trees planted near the 1500 meter wet mill, and others much higher up the surrounding sloped terrain. This is a wet process lot, where the coffee cherry is pulped of the outer fruit before being fermented over night to remove all of the sticky exterior mucilage from the seed within. Once all of the fruit is washed away in long, cement washing channels, it is transferred to raised drying tables where it will dry for upwards of 10 days, until down to around 10% moisture. Like all of Rwanda, farmers here grow old Bourbon cultivars, known for their favorable cup quality when grown at high altitudes. It's worth noting that Rwinyoni won Cup of Excellence in its first year of operation with one of their dry process lots. This is another beautiful Farm Gate coffee that is good for espresso.

Cupping Notes: Caramel, butterscotch chips, nougat, white chocolate, accents of lemon tea, cinnamon toast, and red raisin

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

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

Varietal: Bourbon

Region: Rubavu, Lake Kivu

Altitude: 1800 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 Rubavu region near Lake Kivu, this Rwanda: Rubavu Rwinyoni offering from Keia & Martyn's Coffee showcases the classic profile of the Bourbon varietal. Grown at 1800 masl, the coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean. In the cup, this lot presents a comforting array of confectionary sweetness, featuring notes of caramel, butterscotch chips, nougat, and white chocolate, balanced by subtle accents of lemon tea, cinnamon toast, and red raisin.

When evaluating such a profile, tasters often find it helpful to reference a flavor wheel to categorize these distinct sweet and spiced nuances. While washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their clean, bright profiles, the specific terroir of the Lake Kivu region often contributes a unique depth to the Bourbon varietal, resulting in a complex and well-rounded experience for the drinker.