Mapendo - Wet Process - 2022

Lime and dark cherry on the nose introduce a sweet and satisfying Kivu profile with plum and caramel flavors that are pleasantly balanced by a cocoa and black tea finish.

This beautiful Reserve Lot is Passenger’s first selection from DR Congo and our first purchase from Mighty Peace Coffee. Around 4200 farmers from the Kalehe territory of South Kivu province contributed to this Mapendo lot, an SL34 variety separation composed of cherries picked at 1800 masl or higher.

The Mapendo lot from South Kivu, DR Congo, represents a significant offering from Passenger Coffee. Produced by Mighty Peace Coffee, this 2022 harvest is composed entirely of the SL34 varietal, a plant selection historically celebrated for its complex acidity and depth. Because this coffee undergoes a washed process, the inherent characteristics of the bean are highlighted with a clean, focused profile, allowing the specific terroir of the South Kivu region to remain at the forefront of the cup.

When evaluating a coffee of this profile, one might expect a vibrant interplay between bright citrus notes and deeper, structured sweetness. The tasting notes of lime, dark cherry, plum, caramel, cocoa, and black tea suggest a sophisticated balance that can be mapped across the flavor wheel. While washed coffees are generally prized for their clarity and precision, the specific combination of SL34 and the high-altitude environment of 1800 masl provides a distinct framework for these flavors to develop.