Travel journal: Rwanda — The Land of Thousand Hills

Published: 01/10/18

Duration: 5 min read

Lake Kivu

Rwanda is a key coffee region for us. Each year, we are featuring main coffees with unique taste profiles. Often dominated by chocolate and cherry notes, a rich mouthfeel and beautiful textures.

Coffee grows across the whole country. The high altitudes and favourable climate, together with good farming practices, offer perfect growing conditions.

Ralf, Flo, and Paulina went on a sourcing trip to Rwanda at the start of June this year. Along came our coffee partners from London, Julian & Lauren from Milk Coffee together with their Head Barista Chris. The trip was organised by our sourcing partner, Rwanda Trade Company (RTC). The group went on to see farms and processing stations that grow some amazing coffees.

Follow our steps into the land of thousand hills. Text by our Paulina.

Paulina in the tea fields of Cyangugu National Park

"At work, I drink much too much coffee for my own good, but still, I can hardly roll out of bed without the promise of a little cup of something brewed at home. One of my top coffees for this daily routine is Rwandese Mahembe. It was present on the filter menu when I have started working for THE BARN. It’s complex, with a strong sweet cherry vibe and a chocolate finish. I remember a customer we’ve had, who came for this exactly drink every day for a month. Charlotte came back to the shop recently, in advanced pregnancy, asking for Mahembe “for old times’ sake.” Nice.

So here I am, brewing my first Mahembe in December 2016, fast forward 17 months and I’m finding myself on the ground of Rwanda Trading Company’s new dry facilities in Kigali, not quite believing what is happening".

Rwanda Trade Company (RTC)

The old RTC warehouse

"RTC was established in 2009 in Kigali. It is overseeing production, processing of the coffee and finding its place in the global market. They are committed to ethical business, trying to give economic freedom and security for smallholder farmers. RTC is the owner of seven wet processing stations and works with over another 50 in the country. It is helping to improve quality, increase the yield, achieve higher scores, and marketing the coffees. Its fieldworkers are continually visiting stations, advising producers on agricultural procedures."

Cupping at the new RTC dry mill

"The dry mill is processing and exporting 15% of Rwanda’s coffee, including our Mahembe and Huye Mountain. Aside of the tour of the facilities, we’ve been invited to cup 22 coffees and then, based on our choices, the itinerary was established for rest of the trip."

Our tour

Kageyo

Kageyo washing station

"After a few hours of driving, the first station we visited was Kageyo in Kibogora, Western Province. Elevated at 2000m, the coffee in the region goes through a slow maturation of the cherries, resulting in a sweet cup profile. RTC bought Kageyo from a cooperative of 100 members two years ago and is investing in improving farming practices as well as washing methods. This station is processing 20 to 30 tons of cherries in high season and employs 65 people. Kayego produces around 600 bags that have high quality for exportation."

Kageyo washing station

Mutovu

Mutovu washing station

"The next washing station was Mutovu, recently purchased by RTC. Located in the Gisagara District, in Western Rwanda, it has an elevation of 1772m. The station had financial problems and was close to bankruptcy. With the help of RTC, it is processing washed and natural coffee, which is scoring high and promising better future for Mutovu. The washed coffee stays in drying beds for around 14-18 days while the natural between 14 and 21 days. Mutovu has a taste profile with notes of dates and dried fruits. It is bold and less complex."

Mutovu washing station