Back when Cape Coffee Beans began (more than a decade ago now), naturally processed Rwandan coffees were almost unheard of in South Africa. Export regulations and government investment in specific types of coffee meant that the Rwandan coffees that arrived here were of one type: washed Red Bourbons. Don't get us wrong; many of them were delicious, but we're happy to see how things have opened up in Rwanda, and how we're benefiting from more variety in processing methods particularly.

The other thing that seems to be changing is the organisations providing the Rwandan coffees that we so enjoy. It used to be that much of the coffee came from cooperative systems, but different organisation structures and commercial models are now becoming more common.

With this latest release from Cedar, we're benefiting from some of these changes in the Rwandan coffee space, with something new and different to try. Long time Cedar fans will remember that we had a nearly identical lot from our friends in Woodstock back in 2022. It's nice to see the same name back on the shelves, and we have no doubt that what's in the bag will be every bit as tasty.

Phaedon's tasting notes

Despite the natural processing, I found this Rwandan coffee reminiscent of many of the best washed Rwandan lots I've tasted. While Rwandan naturals can be delicious, some of the ones I've tasted wind up too heavy and muddy for my palate. That's definitely not the case with this one. It's surprisingly clean and juicy.

It's quite a fruity coffee, offering a medley of pome fruit and stone fruit flavours to savour. It's even quite fruity in its aroma. This lot is also decidedly jammy in terms of mouthfeel, as many Red Bourbon coffees are, and in some cups even veers towards a stewed fruit kind of flavour profile.

I brewed my very best cups of this coffee in immersion methods like an AeroPress, siphon or French press. These methods seemed to amplify the fruity sweetness.

Cedar's notes

"Our tasting notes for this coffee reveal a rich and complex flavour profile, with hints of sweet fruit, balanced acidity with a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. On filter and espresso, we picked up notes of pomegranate and red grape. When enjoyed with milk, the flavour profile shifts to a delightful jambos biscuit sweetness, reminiscent of a grape jam sandwiched between two biscuits. A pleasant natural with quite the clean mouthfeel, something you don't always get when working with Naturals."

• Cup Profile: Pomegranate, Red Grape, Jambos

Coffee details from Cedar

"Last coffee for the month I promise. This time out we are showcasing a naturally processed Rwandan from Akagera. This is our second time working with this particular washing station and its still a stellar lot. Baho Coffee has been working closely with over 420 smallholder farmers from the fertile regions surrounding Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Natural Forest. Originally owned by a cooperative, the Akagera Washing Station now plays a crucial role in connecting farmers to sustainable markets and improving their livelihoods through better pricing and training programs.

"Farmers typically manage small plots averaging 250 trees, often intercropping with staple crops like maize and potatoes. Baho Coffee actively supports these farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), ensuring they receive essential training on soil conservation, water protection, and waste management. The Rwandan government further enhances these efforts by facilitating access to agricultural inputs and incentivizing the growth of high-quality coffee.

"Farmers and their families selectively handpick coffee cherries before delivering them to the Akagera Washing Station. Here, the cherries undergo rigorous hand sorting and density floating to ensure only the finest beans are processed. The meticulous drying process on raised beds spans an average of 52 days, preserving the coffee’s complexity and enhancing its cup profile. This extended drying period is believed to enhance the flavour and longevity of the coffee."

• Farm/Producer: Akagera Washing Station
• Region: Nyamasheke
  
• Country: Rwanda
• Process: Natural
• Altitude: 1,550 - 1,850 masl
• Variety: Red Bourbon

You can find more coffees from Cedar here.