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 Rwandan lot, roasted by Origin Coffee Roasting, comes from a washing station we’re becoming pretty familiar with, Shyira. Owned and operated by Muraho Trading Company, Shyira Washing Station is located in Rwanda’s Nyabihu District, and serves as the local washing station for the numerous smallholding farmers who work in and around the area. 

Most coffee in Rwanda is grown on small, family-owned farms, rather than large plantations, and farmers cooperate and collaborate via cooperatives. This allows them to pool their resources, share agronomic knowledge, and access key infrastructure like local coffee mills such as Shyira. 

Muraho, a green coffee exporter, was founded in 2015 by brothers Karthick and Gaudam Anbalagan. The foundational goal of their company has from the start been to put Rwanda’s incredible specialty coffee, and in turn the country itself and its people, on display for the world. Moreover, MTCo. is also committed to supporting its farmers, improving their livelihoods and coffee yields in tandem. 

Shyira Washing Station is intentionally MTCo’s smallest station, in terms of its actual size and scale of production. This reserved scale allows the station to focus intently on each and every micro-lot it produces, maximising quality. This particular lot is a washed lot, meaning that the fruit and skin of the coffee cherry was removed entirely from the seed (or bean) prior to fermentation and drying. Washed coffees are typically characterized by crisp acidity, and a clear, balanced flavour profile. 

Origin’s notes

• Flavour: Stone fruit, soft grapefruit, elegant citrus blossom, butterscotch finish
• Body: Light, tea-like
• Acidity: Soft citrus
• Roast: Medium
• Suggested brewing methods: Espresso and milk, siphon, AeroPress

Coffee details from Origin

• Country: Rwanda
• Region: Nyabihu District
• Farm: Numerous smallholding farmers
• Washing station: Shyira Washing Station, owned by Muraho Trading Company
• Owner: Muraho Trading Company
• Altitude: 2000 - 2400 masl
• Varietals: Red Bourbon
• Processing: Washed