Rwanda Kigeyo

Tasting Notes: Sautéed Cinnamon Apples

Origin: Rwanda

Region: Lake Kivu

Process: Washed

Variety: Bourbon

Elevation: 1500–2000 masl

Importer: Cafe Imports

Hello friends! This microlot comes to us from the Kigeyo Washing Station run by the COOPAC cooperative on the eastern shore of Lake Kivu in Rwanda!

COOPAC was established in April, 2001 with 1100 members aiming to regenerate the coffee sector in the Gisenyi region of Lake Kivu. COOPAC constructed the Nyamwenda washing station in 2003 with partial grant, partial credit. Today, some 50 washing stations dot the northern lake landscape and the cooperative has 2,198 members. COOPAC has achieved FLO certification and helped to dramatically increase the quality of coffee and price achieved in the region through the washing stations as well as promoting and providing shade tree saplings and agroforestry education to all its members.

Arguably one of the most exciting parts of getting to try coffees from new origins is the immediate and evident differences in cup profile between countries as well as continents. For the most part, African offerings are generally more "acidic" and naturally present those delicate light roast flavors like florals, fruits, teas - vs. coffees from South and Central America that generally trend towards a lower acidity and more developed flavors - cocoa, caramel, sugar.

What makes getting to try coffees from the smaller coffee-producing countries of Africa, like Rwanda, so exciting is how well they may fit the mold for the continent as a whole in one way, while completely breaking away from it in other ways.

With this offering we still get those hints of fruitiness and a certain familiar tanginess, but in a much different presentation than one would find in an Ethiopian coffee. This coffee is full of sweet, sautéed apple notes, with a little cinnamon-spice, all wrapped up in a vibrant acidity that really makes the cup sing. Reminds us of apple pie. 🥧🤗 

We hope you find this one as unique as we do!