Uganda is still a relatively quiet specialty coffee origin, especially compared to more famous neighbouring coffee producers like Rwanda and Kenya, but make no mistake: Ugandan coffee can be brilliant. The East-African nation boasts fertile soils and reliable rainfall in its highland areas. Thanks to its volcanic soil and high altitudes, the slopes of Uganda’s shield volcano, Mt Elgon, are ideal for growing specialty-grade Arabica coffee. In recent years, we've seen a lot more specialty Ugandan lots arriving in South Africa, and we welcome the opportunity to taste another one.

This coffee, roasted by Origin Coffee Roasting, was processed by the Zukuka Bora Coffee Company, whose washing station serves a large community of smallholder farmers. Interestingly, this coffee is comprised of SL28 & SL34, coffee varieties that are typical in Kenya but less common in other African countries.

Phaedon's tasting notes

Sometimes I tell a joke in my head about Uganda being Africa's answer to Central America. Perhaps it should have stayed in my head, but if you taste this coffee, I think you may catch of glimpse of what my mind is on about. While this is undoubtedly an African coffee, and also a lot comprised of African varieties (Kenyan to be specific), there's something distinctly Latin American about the flavour profile, at least to my taste buds.

We tend to associate African coffees with fruity flavours and Latin American coffees more with nutty and chocolatey notes, as well as bigger bodies. These are all sweeping generalisations, of course (as this coffee proves) but they tend to hold true a fair bit of the time. Here, you have a lovely, balanced, easy-drinking coffee with a bit of fruit flavour but also a mellow acidity, a creamy, full body and a nice smooth mouthfeel, not to mention a chocolatey finish. The transcontinental flavour profile may just convert some of those Latin American coffee drinkers to the Mother Continent's consumers, especially if they're AeroPress brewers.

Origin’s notes

• Flavour: Red apple, golden raisin, white chocolate, dates, orange marmalade
• Body: Smooth
• Acidity: Apple-like
• Roast: Medium
• Suggested brewing methods: AeroPress, siphon, espresso & milk-based

Coffee details from Origin

• Country: Uganda
• Producer: Smallholder farmers, processed by the Zukuka Bora Coffee Company
• Altitude: 1,900 - 2,100 masl
• Varieties: SL28 & SL34
• Processing: Fully washed