RWANDA GITWE PANDA LOT #1159

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.

Our latest release arrives from the Gitwe Washing Station in Nyamasheke, offering a view into a different side of Rwanda beyond the familiar clarity of classic washed profiles. By approaching the roast with a slightly more developed expression we found the coffee opening into deeper layers of character. The cup begins to reveal a richer spectrum of red fruit tones that feel rounder and more textured while still holding the vibrant energy often found in Rwanda coffees.

As espresso the coffee moves into a juicy and jam like profile with notes of pomelo and cranberry at the centre. A refreshing lime acidity lifts the cup with a sweet citrus brightness before settling into the soft sweetness of red peach. With milk the structure softens and transforms into something reminiscent of baked apple pie with a gentle marmalade like sweetness. As the cup cools the flavour continues to evolve and a clearer rock melon note emerges adding another dimension to the experience. Natural Rwanda coffees may still be relatively new within specialty coffee yet they continue to surprise with their depth and expressive quality.