Long Miles - Bumba Hill: Kayanza, Burundi
Some coffees you admire from afar. Others you wait for. And then there are the ones that feel almost fated — the lots you’ve tasted in years past, remembered fondly, and quietly hoped would one day return to your cupping table.
For us, coffees from Long Miles Coffee have always lived in that category. Pun fully intended — we’ve been waiting long for Long Miles. And finally, the moment has arrived.
We’re beyond proud to introduce Long Miles – Bumba Hill, from Kayanza, Burundi.
Rooted in Burundi
Long Miles has become one of the most thoughtful and impactful coffee initiatives in East Africa, supporting farming communities across Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda, with their deepest roots and most transformative work grounded in Burundi itself.
For years, we’ve admired the vibrant, character-driven coffees coming out of Kayanza through their efforts. Bringing one of these lots into our lineup has been a goal we’ve chased for a long time. When the opportunity finally aligned, it felt less like a transaction and more like a milestone, and it was worth every bit of the wait.
Bumba Hill
The story behind this lot makes it even sweeter.
Farmers from Bumba Hill have historically faced a daunting journey: carrying freshly harvested cherries more than three hours on foot to reach Bukeye Washing Station or the nearest collection site. Year after year, the Long Miles team worked to change that reality — searching for land closer to the hill to build something new. This season marks meaningful progress. Land was secured just a stone’s throw from Bumba. It was cleared, and traditional raised African drying tables were constructed, bringing processing closer to the farmers who make it possible.
Now, farmers walk or bicycle their day’s harvest to the Ninga Washing Station delivery site. From there, the natural process begins. The slow, attentive drying not only preserves the integrity of the fruit, but it also builds depth, sweetness, and complexity into the cup.
In the Cup
This is the kind of coffee that feels instantly comforting, yet endlessly layered. Expect a warm, enveloping sweetness reminiscent of candied cashews and caramel candies. Beneath that richness lies a soft, juicy thread of ripe dark plum and stone fruit, adding lift and gentle vibrancy. It greets you with familiarity and groundedness, but keeps revealing new nuances as it cools. One sip leans nutty and confectionary, the next highlights its lush fruit character. It’s dynamic without being too loud, or expressive without losing its integrity.
Worth the Wait
There’s something special about finally working with a producer you’ve respected for years. It makes the first brew feel ceremonial.
Long Miles – Bumba Hill represents persistence — from farmers carrying cherries across hillsides, to a team determined to build infrastructure closer to home, to us patiently waiting for the right opportunity.