A clean, vibrant and balanced coffee from the Migoti Coffee Company located in Rubanda, western Burundi.
Roast: City (3/7) (Medium)
Tasting Notes: Red Apple, Honey, Cherry, Chocolate Cake
Altitude: 1700 - 1900 MASL
Variety: Red Bourbon
Processing Method: Natural
Story:
Coffee first arrived in Burundi in the early 1930's, brought by Belgian colonialists and German imperialists even before. Whilst this introduction benefitted the foreign occupation, it was at the expense of the Burundi people. Despite that, Burundi has a reputation of being one of the best countries for producing speciality coffee beans in Africa. This is an amazing testament to the unique soil conditions, plus the dedication of local growers in the face of the near-constant state of turmoil that Burundi has been challenged with since its independence from Belgium in the 1960's.[74]
Most coffee grown in Burundi is from smallholder farms and co-operatives with around 1 million Burundi families employed by the country's coffee industry. Being located within the Albertine Rift of The Great Rift Valley, this area is mountainous and has been shaped by volcanic activity, resulting in ideal soil quality and altitude for exceptional coffee cherries.[74]
This coffee is produced by Migoti Coffee Company in Rubanda, a small region south of Bujumbura. Migoti was founded by Pontien Ntunzwenimana and Dan Brose, two Burundi-born engineers who wanted to make a difference in the community where Pontien was born and raised. Together they have built two established washing stations, now supporting a recorded 1,236 smallholder farmers in the region.[75]
Outside of normal operations, Migoti is truly committed to their partner farmers, offering financial support, education and training and initiatives to grow new crops to intersperse with their coffee trees, providing a secondary source of income. Migoti has continued to see a rapid rise in their number of partner farmers, a testament to their ability to create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships and unwavering commitment to supporting local communities through developmental projects.[75]
This lot from Kigina Hill has a creamy body and bright tea-like acidity. Filled with sweet red berries, it is well rounded and full of personality.
Photo credit goes to Omwani Coffee Company and Nitanga Tchandrou.