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 comes from the Gitwe Washing Station in Nyamasheke, offering a glimpse into another side of Rwanda beyond the familiar profile of classic washed coffees. In the cup Gitwe opens with an aromatic presence reminiscent of palast tea layered with gentle jasmine like florals. We approached the roast with a slightly more developed light profile to shape a balanced and expressive cup while preserving the natural clarity that defines Rwanda coffees.

On filter the first impression is bright and lively, carrying a spicy ginger beer character lifted by crisp starfruit acidity. Tropical fruit notes of rambutan bring a round sweetness supported by a soft melon like texture. The finish turns zesty and refreshing with an apple like sparkle that recalls the nostalgic lift of a can of Zapple. Gitwe moves beyond the idea of a typical Rwanda profile and instead reveals a singular expression of what nature can offer through coffee.