C55:
Farm/Producer: Akagera Washing Station
Region: Rwanda, Western Province
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1550 - 1850 masl
Variety: Red Bourbon
Cup Profile: Pomegranate, Red Grape, Jambos
Background info:
Last coffee for the month I promise. This time out we are showcasing a naturally processed Rwandan from Akagera. This is our second time working with this particular washing station and its still a stellar lot. Baho Coffee has been working closely with over 420 smallholder farmers from the fertile regions surrounding Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Natural Forest. Originally owned by a cooperative, the Akagera Washing Station now plays a crucial role in connecting farmers to sustainable markets and improving their livelihoods through better pricing and training programs.
Farmers typically manage small plots averaging 250 trees, often intercropping with staple crops like maize and potatoes. Baho Coffee actively supports these farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), ensuring they receive essential training on soil conservation, water protection, and waste management. The Rwandan government further enhances these efforts by facilitating access to agricultural inputs and incentivizing the growth of high-quality coffee.
Farmers and their families selectively handpick coffee cherries before delivering them to the Akagera Washing Station. Here, the cherries undergo rigorous hand sorting and density floating to ensure only the finest beans are processed. The meticulous drying process on raised beds spans an average of 52 days, preserving the coffee’s complexity and enhancing its cup profile. This extended drying period is believed to enhance the flavour and longevity of the coffee.
Our tasting notes for this coffee reveal a rich and complex flavour profile, with hints of sweet fruit, balanced acidity with a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. On filter and espresso, we picked up notes of pomegranate and red grape. When enjoyed with milk, the flavour profile shifts to a delightful jambos biscuit sweetness, reminiscent of a grape jam sandwiched between two biscuits. A pleasant natural with quite the clean mouthfeel, something you don't always get when working with Naturals.
