Due to their mountainous geography and equatorial climate, many regions in Rwanda provide the ideal altitudes, weather and soil conditions for growing delicious specialty coffee. The East-African nation is especially famous for one particular kind of coffee, Red Bourbon, arguably one of the first varieties budding coffee enthusiasts come to know by name, and renowned for its potential for jammy fruit flavours.

This particular lot, roasted by our friends at Legado, is a washed lot from Shyira Washing Station, a coffee processing mill located in Rwanda’s Nyabihu District. As is the case throughout Rwanda, coffee in Nyabihu is farmed by numerous farmers on small farms rather than large plantations, who typically pool their resources and access infrastructure, such as local coffee mills, via cooperatives.

Shyira is owned and operated by Muraho Trading Company, a Rwandan coffee exporter founded by brothers Karthick and Gaudam Anbalagan, whose core aim is to share superb Rwandan coffee with the world while serving the local communities responsible for farming it. Shyira is purposefully MTCo.’s smallest washing station, which allows it to focus intently on each and every micro-lot it produces, maximising quality.

This particular lot is washed, meaning the entirety of the coffee cherry was removed prior to drying. Washed Red Bourbons may lose some of the punchy fruit notes they’re famous for, but typically make up for it with greater clarity and balance in the cup.

Legado’s notes

• Tasting notes: Floral, crisp citrus, lime, kiwi
• Acidity: Intense
  
• Body: Full
  
• Roast level: Medium

Coffee details from Legado

“Our Fully Washed Rwanda Shyira Single Origin is a bright, elegant coffee with tasting notes of floral aromatics, crisp citrus, tangy lime, and sweet kiwi. Sourced from the high-altitude region of Shyira, this coffee is meticulously processed to highlight its vibrant and refreshing flavour profile. Perfect for those who appreciate a clean, zesty cup with a delicate sweetness and a refined finish.”

• Country: Rwanda
  
• Region: Nyabihu
  
• Variety: Red Bourbon
  
• Altitude: 1500 - 2000 masl
  
• Processing method: Washed