Archival Release #38 - Mapendo

A number of the most important coffee-producing nations in Africa are found in a geographical zone that is commonly referred to as the ‘Great Lakes Region’. As its name suggests, this region encompasses coffee growing countries that are located in close proximity to the great lakes of East Africa, including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Kivu. While Passenger has historically focused its buying from this region on coffees from Rwanda and Burundi, it is undeniably true that the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of a number of other countries in this region that are capable of producing exceptional coffees.

The specific lot selected by Passenger’s green buying team in 2022 was titled “Mapendo 1800”, denoting that the lot separation consisted of cherries grown at 1800 masl or above. With growing elevations for Mapendo ranging from 1450 - 1800 masl, the lively acidity and deep sweetness of this separation is almost certainly traceable to higher elevation cherry selection  (slower cherry maturation at higher altitudes tends to yield added complexity and sweetness to the cup).

Exhibiting many of the hallmarks of a classic ‘Great Lakes’ profile, expect lime and dark cherry on the nose of this coffee, followed by sweet plum and caramel flavors that are pleasantly balanced by a cocoa and black tea finish.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has emerged as a compelling origin for specialty coffee, with the Mapendo lot representing a distinct expression of the region’s potential. Sourced by Passenger Coffee, this selection highlights the complex interplay between bright acidity and deep, resonant sweetness. Coffees from this area are often celebrated for their vibrant profiles, which can range from citrus-forward brightness to rich, dessert-like undertones.

In this specific release, the cup profile balances notes of lime and black tea with the heavier, grounding sweetness of dark cherry, plum, caramel, and cocoa. When evaluating such a diverse array of flavors, it is helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better categorize the nuances between the fruit-driven acidity and the savory, sugar-browning characteristics. Grown at elevations between 1450 and 1800 masl, Archival Release #38 - Mapendo offers a sophisticated look at the evolving landscape of Congolese coffee production.