We’re big fans of Burundian coffee here at CCB. The small southern African country has struggled to consistently produce high-quality coffee in the past due to socio-political turmoil, but recent years have seen greater stability, and with it the opportunity for Burundi to produce some truly exciting lots and distribute them globally. This lot, brought to us by our friends at Legado Coffee Roasters, was grown around the verdant peaks of Kibira National Park, a 400km² forest sprawling atop the mountains of the Congo-Nile Divide, and was produced by the Long Miles Coffee Project. We’ve tasted some amazing coffees from Long Miles before and, moreover, we’re really impressed with the work it does. The project is responsible for a number of coffee operations throughout Burundi, and consistently invests into the nearby communities who work them, improving both the quality of their crop and their livelihoods. 

This coffee is of the Red Bourbon variety, one of the best-known coffee varieties in the specialty coffee world. In fact, the majority of coffee produced in Burundi is of the Bourbon variety, which thrives in the high altitude and rich soil of its mountains. Red Bourbon typically offers bright, jammy fruit flavours in the cup, the sweetness of which should be brought out by this coffee’s natural processing.  

Phaedon's tasting notes

Despite being a natural, this lovely lot from the Long Miles Coffee Project, roasted by our friends at Legado, is surprisingly bright with quite a crisp mouth feel. One immediately picks up some tart fruit flavours complemented by quite a deep sweetness and round body, which creates a sort of jammy effect. In one cup, I was convinced that I detected quince preserves.

The coffee is beautifully balanced and seems to lend itself to filter-style brews like a V60 pour-over as much as immersion brews like a siphon and French press. I'd encourage a little updosing here to get the full effect.

Legado’s notes

• Tasting Notes: Lime, raspberries, dark chocolate and molasses
• Acidity: Bright
• Body: Medium
• Roast Level: Light-medium

Coffee details from Legado

“Dive into the heart of Burundi with our flagship single origin natural coffee, cultivated in the lush landscapes of Kibira. This exquisite Bourbon variety has been naturally processed to preserve its rich flavour profile, earning an impressive SCA score of 88.

Indulge in one of the best coffees we’ve ever offered and savour the vibrant, rich flavours designed to enchant coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike.”

• Producer: Long Miles Coffee Project
• Country: Burundi
• Region: Kibira
• Washing station: Bukeye
• Variety: Red Bourbon
• Altitude: 1500 - 1700 masl
• Processing method: Natural
• SCA Score: 88