New Release: Nyamasheke, Rwanda
Our newest single origin release comes from the Kanzu washing station in the Nyamasheke district of Rwanda. This is a washed coffee with bourbon varietals. The flavor notes that we picked up on from this specific coffee are blackberry, honey and custard. We are so excited to share this coffee with all of you since it has been quite some time since we’ve featured a Rwandan coffee in our lineup!
A little more detail
Kanzu washing station is 1800-2100 masl (meters above sea level) and is said to be one of the most beautiful and lush views in the area. It is located so that you can see all the way down to Lake Kivu to west on a clear day. Lake Kivu is one of the Great Lakes of East Africa that is nestled perfectly between Congo and Rwanda. The lake itself is 55 miles long and 30 miles wide and has densely populated shores.
Harvest season at Kanzu runs from March until July and coffee isn’t the only thing the region is known for producing. They also produce cassava, sweet potato, sugar cane, bananas, and beans. By creating so many exports the country and farmers create a better way of life. The quality and quantity of crop outputs has not always been so notable, however.
Rebuilding
After the Rwandan genocide during their civil war in 1994 the country was devastated. Fortunately, there have been different projects and groups that have stepped in and aided the country as they begin to produce goods and create a better future for themselves and their families.
In 2001 the PEARL project began in order to rebuild the agricultural sector in the country as a collaborative development project. PEARL shortly after transformed into the SPREAD project which ultimately ended in 2012. A big part of this project was helping to build washing stations, creating co-ops and training agronomists so that the people of Rwanda had a foot in the game. These programs ultimately allowed the Rwandan coffees to thrive and flourish and made way for them in the specialty coffee markets. With specialty coffees being grown there was also opportunity for specialty pricing which allows a better way of life for farmers and more incentive to grow higher quality products.
Flourishing after hardship
Kanzu washing station changed hands again in 2012 when the Dormans took over. Today Kanzu is still in their hands and is thriving due to improvements in infrastructure, training programs for farmers and agronomics to learn best practices and advancing their quality control of their crops.
So there is a lot that goes into this sweet and beautiful cup of coffee of Rwandan coffee you get to enjoy and we’re so excited to be a small part in the chain to help you learn and serve you a delicious cup!
Hint: If you loved the latest offering of Finca Don Jaime from El Salvador we highly suggest you try this one! With the delicious berry flavors it’s just in time for spring, or at least some hopefully warmer and sunnier days ahead!
To learn more about the story of Kanzu washing station click here!
Sources: Red Fox Coffee Merchants