TRADITIONAL
Nº 152 Rwanda Gasharu
Country: Nyamasheke, Kilimbi
Process: Natural
Grown / Region: Nyamasheke
Altitude: 1600m - 2100m
Varietals: Bourbon
Producers: Local Smallholders
Tasting Notes: Dates, Cherry Jam, Dark Chocolate
Roast Level: Dark 5/5
FARM NOTES:
The Gasharu washing station is unique in the area in that it is owned and operated by people who live and work in the region itself. There are many multinationals who buy up smallholder coffees and who have direct access to large markets. Whilst Gasharu are unable to compete on the tight margins and aggressive pricing of these companies, they can compete when it comes to quality, traceability and integrity. When Celestin Rumenerangabo, Gasharu's founder, bought his first plot of land, he planted 380 trees and sold his coffee in 'cups' - thought to be the equivalent to 1kg but there were no scales available.
This natural processed coffee from the Gasharu washing station is a perfect example of natural processing done well. There is a complex fruit flavour, a sweet rounded body and even some subtle floral aromatics.
This coffee is produced by smallholders and processed through the CWS Washing Station. CWS supports farmers in organizing into co-operatives and offers training in governance and finance.
The soil in this region is acidic but rainfall is plentiful, allowing the coffee cherries to become sweet and juicy. The cherries are picked, sorted, and dry on raised beds for up to 30 days.
DISCOVERY
Nº 147 Kenya Chepnorio
Country: Rift Valley
Process: Washed
Grown / Region: Kericha
Altitude: 1700m - 2000m
Varietals: SL28, Riuru 11, Batian
Producers: Chepnorio Farmers Co-Operative Society
Tasting Notes: Apricot, Blood Orange, Light Caramel
Roast Level: Medium 3/5
FARM NOTES:
Since its inception in 1985 the Chepnorio co-operative, the group has grown from 30 to 700 members and the price paid for coffee has increased 10 fold! The coffee is bought and exported by Vava - a B Corp Certified social enterprise. In Kenya there is mass migration to cities for young people, so Vava specialise in empowering women and young people in the coffee growing industry. They provide education and direct routes to foreign markets, in turn providing better returns for producers.
This is the perfect coffee for Kenyan coffee fans. Coming to us via a co-operative and ethical exporter - Vava Coffee, this coffee delivers both exceptional flavour and unrivalled traceability.
The Chepnorio Co-operative society was founded in 1985 with a membership of just 30 producers. This has since expanded to include around 900, of which 104 are members of a farmers youth group, and 94 are women. Together they produce many lots of varying qualities and flavour profiles, with this particular lot being one of their highest-scoring! The coffee is sold through a B Corp certified social enterprise - Vava Coffee - who promote 'positive social disruption within the industry'.