I Put a Spell on Brew

The Western Province is one of Rwanda’s five provinces created in the early 2000’s after a restructuring of governmental structures. It is know for its mountainous terrains and hosts one of the great African lakes, Lake Kivu.

This coffee comes from three smallholder farmers on Ntumba Island in the Rutsiro District of the Western province: Mberabahizi Joseph, Munyankiko Victor, Nyirangendahimana Marie. Once sorted for defects, their top quality cherries are tightly packed into sealed vessels where they are left to ferment, undisturbed and under shade, for 100 hours. The goal here is to create a unique environment in which the cherries have very limited interaction with oxygen. The low oxygen environment drastically changes the flavours imparted into the seed. The natural anaerobic fermentation promotes high intensity and complexity of fruit flavours and sweetness in the coffee. Once this fermentation period is complete, the cherries are immediately turned out onto drying beds for 50 days.

The resulting cup reminds us of raspberry, frozen strawberry & honey.

Country

Rwanda

Region

Western Province

Variety

red bourbon

Altitude

1700 - 1900 m

Farm

Mberabahizi Joseph, Munyankiko Victor & Nyirangendahimana Marie

Producer

BAHO Coffee