We don’t often get Rwandan coffee roasted by our friends at Rosetta, having only received three lots over the last decade. We’ve been without any for a few months now, which is why we’re especially happy to see it make a return. Like Rosetta’s last Rwandan offering, this coffee comes from Gitesi, a sector of Karongi District found in the rolling hills of Rwanda’s Western Province. Karongi is famous for its picturesque landscapes and natural splendour. Lake Kivu to the west is a particularly stunning attraction, and boasts beautiful beaches, islands and birdwatching opportunities for locals and tourists alike to appreciate.

Gitesi Washing Station, where this coffee was processed, is a father-son-operation that employs many of Gitesi’s local smallholding farmers. The station and its management team strive to consistently produce high-quality coffees, which has seen them win the Rwandan Cup of Excellence competition in the past, and additionally seeks to revitalise the Karongi district and the people who live thereby offering fair and attractive income opportunities.

Like most of the coffee grown in Rwanda (and neighbouring Burundi), this coffee is of the Red Bourbon variety, well-suited to the high altitudes and rich soils of Rwanda’s mountainous landscapes. Red Bourbon is one of the best-known coffee varieties in the specialty coffee space, and has famous potential for rich, jammy fruit flavours in the cup. This particular lot has been through washed processing, meaning that its skin and fruit was removed entirely prior to drying. This usually results in greater flavour clarity and balance, as well as a pleasantly bright acidity. 

Phaedon's tasting notes

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of trying several Gitesi lots, from the drums of a few different roasters that we work with, no less. I've come to enjoy the weight and body of these lots, which always seems to be more prominent than other Rwandan coffees I drink.

This Gitesi lot is true to expectations in that regard: it's thick, sweet & syrupy, a heavy coffee more than a delicate one, in a thoroughly enjoyable way. There's something herbal to savour in the flavour profile, but also a dark fruit sweetness. It lends itself really well to filtered immersion brews; I particularly enjoyed it in an AeroPress and siphon.

Rosetta Roastery's notes

Style: Classic
Flavour profile: Clean and crisp, hibiscus, rooibos

“This collaborative lot showcases standout clarity and vibrancy, a highly sought after trait for Rwandan coffees. This is in part due to the Red Bourbon variety, cherished for its high cup scores, and accentuated by the washed process. Upfront, notes of cranberry, Hibiscus and brown sugar take centre stage, with Rooibos complexities emerging as the cup cools. This coffee's exceptional sweetness makes it a versatile and exciting choice for both filter and espresso brewing methods.”>

Coffee details from Rosetta

“Gitesi is a privately owned washing station, established by father and son, Alexis and Aime Gahizi. Built in 2005, they began processing coffee the following year. Despite initial struggles, they managed to turn a profit in 2010, transforming Gitesi into the sustainable business it is today.

The washing station has fostered strong relationships with over 1,800 local coffee farmers who deliver their cherries for processing. These farmers, mostly small family-owned operations, meticulously care for their plants and personally hand-pick the cherries. They operate a coffee nursery with 15,000 to 50,000 trees, freely distributed to farmers to expand their coffee-growing activities, going beyond coffee processing and actively supporting the local community.”

• Altitude: 1750 - 1800 masl
• Processing: Washed
• Variety: Red Bourbon
• Region: Karongi District
• Country: Rwanda
• Producers: Alexis and Aime Gahizi of Gitesi Washing Station
• Harvest: 2023