RWANDA GATARE KUMBAYE LOT #305

It has been some time since we last sourced coffee from Rwanda and this return feels especially rewarding. We are more than happy to bring Rwanda back into the Arkib lineup. Through our good friend Nas at Falcon Coffee we explored a wide selection at the cupping table and this year two lots stood out with quiet confidence. Both were selected from Nyungwe and Gatare washing stations and processed by Rwanda Trading Company whose work continues to set a high benchmark for quality in the country.

This is straight forward classic washed Rwanda coffee. Clean acidity, round body and herbal aftertaste, make it sought after coffee for 4 season country coffee drinker who are looking for comfort in their daily coffee. Cherries are selectively sorted, pulped, fermented, washed, and slowly dried on raised African beds, with close attention paid to lot separation and moisture control. This give this coffee harmony and consistent flavour.

Gatare fully washed is a prime example of entry-level specialty coffee. The coffee builds on a harmonious profile of bright citrus acidity and a chunky body. The espresso delivers meyer lemon and grapefruit flavours that reflect a well-processed clean washed coffee. Palm sugar sweetness with a herbal cumin finish awakens black coffee drinkers in their daily ritual. The highlight is in milk beverages, where prominent baker's chocolate flavour with cocoa butter sweetness dominates the cup. Hints of nougat allow this milk-based coffee to be simply enjoyed either hot or cold.