Rwanda Murundo – Kivubelt People Farm – Bourbon Washed

Burman Coffee Traders

Details

Origin

Rwanda

Process

Washed

Roast Suitability

Description

The Nyamasheke district of western Rwanda is blessed with exceptional terroir. The cool, humid climates of both Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park keep groundwater abundant throughout this uniquely hilly region. Kivu itself is part of the East African Rift, whose steady drift creates volcanic seepage from the lake’s floor and enriches the surrounding volcanic-loam soils. Coffees from here are often jammier and heavier than those from the rest of the country, and Murundo’s lots in particular are full of complex sugars, currant-like acidity, blackberry and spice flavors, and round, soft textures. Produced by the Kivubelt group in western Rwanda, this fully washed Bourbon comes from the village of Cyiya in the Nyamasheke District, grown at roughly 1,700-1,900 masl and harvested between March and May. The lot is processed at the Jarama Coffee Washing Station (CWS), one of two sites the Kivubelt company operates. Cyiya is a small, high-elevation community with a distinct forest influence that lends the coffee great potential, and thanks to growers making the most of it, Cyiya’s coffee is annually among the top lots processed at the Jarama CWS. Kivubelt was established in 2011 by Furaha Umwizey, after he returned to Rwanda with a master’s degree in economics from Switzerland. Born and raised in Rwanda, Umwizey’s goal with Kivubelt is to create a model coffee plantation, as sustainable in agriculture as it is impactful in local employment and empowerment. The company began with 200 scattered acres of farmland in Gihombo, a community in Rwanda’s coffee-famous Nyamasheke district that runs along the breathtaking central shoreline of Lake Kivu. Tasting Notes: A very fresh and tasty African coffee. Enjoyable at any roast level, though medium to dark was our favorite. Medium roast points provide a smooth cup on the nutty/chocolaty side, with sweet tea flavors and a hint of citric brightness; a little herbal spice lingers in the aftertaste, but very mild compared to most