Abadatezuka Coop Washed

Aromas of blackberry, Swiss chocolate, and orange introduce this complex cup. We noted flavors of cream soda, honeycrisp apple, and caramel, accompanied by lemongrass acidity. The finish carries on the blackberry note alongside rye and bergamot.

This coffee was a May 2024 Roaster's Choice selection!

Details

Producer: Abadatezuka Coop Farm: Smallholders Region: Nayamasheke District, Western Province Altitude: 1,850-2,200 masl | 6,070-7,218 feet Varietal: Bourbon Process: Washed Roast: Light Notes: Blackberry, Caramel Apple, Rye

The Story

This limited offering was sourced by our friends at Cafe Imports.

Abadatezuka Cooperative is a group of smallholder farmers in Rwanda's Western Province who deliver their cherries to the Cyato Washing Station in the Nayamasheke district. The producers here grow coffee at elevations all the way up to 2,200 meters above sea level, and the washing station is located at 1,850 meters above sea level. The washing station was established in 2017.

Native honeybees that live in and around the Nyungwe forest, where the coffee is grown, are said to be responsible in part for the unique profile of this coffee. Fertile soil (black humus and sandy soil) and a cool climate (thanks to the area's proximity to Lake Kivu) also contribute. The farmers use no synthetic inputs, either as fertilizers or as pest control.

Processing Notes

Microlots from Rwanda are traceable to the cooperative and washing-station level, and are selected on the basis of cup quality. These lots are separated out from the bulk day lots that the washing station produces, and represent the highest quality Rwandan offerings on our list.

The washed process in Rwanda includes a unique soaking step, not unlike that often found in Kenya. The cherries are delivered to central processing units the day they are harvested, where they are depulped and fermented in open-air tanks made of concrete or cement for 12-18 hours. After fermentation, the coffees are soaked in water for 24 hours and their mucilage removed before being spread on raised beds to dry.

Sourced from the Nayamasheke District in Rwanda’s Western Province, the Abadatezuka Coop Washed represents the meticulous output of the Abadatezuka Coop. This lot features the Bourbon varietal, a plant historically prized for its balanced sweetness and complex profile. By utilizing washed processing, producers are often able to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean, allowing the specific terroir of the region to shine through.

Roasted by PT's Coffee Roasting, this coffee presents a distinct sensory experience characterized by notes of blackberry, caramel apple, and rye. While individual perceptions of flavor can vary, enthusiasts often use the flavor wheel to categorize these nuanced profiles. As a washed Bourbon from the high-elevation landscapes of Rwanda, this selection offers a refined look at the traditional craftsmanship found within the Nayamasheke District, providing a clean and structured cup that reflects the dedication of the cooperative’s members.