Kigoma, Rwanda

by Stephen Leighton August 20, 2015

"Coffees from Rwanda are unique in due to the tart lingonberry characteristics that we find in the cup and really stand out compared to any other other coffee producing region. When first buying coffee from this area three years ago, we were so amazed by the clean taste profile and cranberry bitterness that our barista Linnea decided to compete with the coffee ”Epiphany Muhirwa” in barista cup, where she used the coffees natural bitterness to replicate the quinine from tonic water in her signature beverage." Joanna Alm, Drop Coffee

In Rwanda 30% of coffee produced is fully washed and exported, the remaining 70% is processed directly on the farm and sold locally. In the Kigoma region in southern Rwanda, our Norwegian raw coffee sourcer Nordic Approach work with about 1000 farmers towards the goal of producing the best coffee in the country. Together they are working for a more sustainable and profitable coffee production. Last year we roasted a coffee from the same project, ”Motherland Farmers ”from the neighbouring village to Kigoma, Kamiro.

Facts Location: Kigoma, Nyamagabe
Washing Station: Motherland Farmers
Varietal: Local heirloom, mainly Bourbon
Elevation: 1700 - 2000 masl
Soil: Deep, rich volcanic soil
Processing: Pulped and wet-fermented, graded in washing channels, soaked in water and sundried.
Harvest: April-May 2015
Our current espresso recipe for Kigoma: 18g / 28 sec / 36 g (a TDS 9.5%, extraction around 19%)
Character: Juicy cup with notes of cranberry, lingonberry and cacao butter. Bright long finish.

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We work directly and transparently with some of the most talented coffee producers in the world, with many of our partnerships spanning 10+ years. All the coffees we source have an SCA cupping score of 86 or higher and we always publish the FOB prices paid. We roast carefully in small batches, focusing on sweetness, clarity and vibrancy, so every coffee’s distinct origin and personality shines through.