Rwanda Nyamasheke Kivubelt Jarama

This offering is from boutique producer Kivubelt, which owns and operates 3 farms in Western Rwanda. It consists entirely of local Bourbon varieties and features an excellent body and a creamy, almost velvety texture. We noted big flavors of nectarine, orange and cane sugar with a bit of walnut and hibiscus throughout.

Arrival Date: March 11th, 2022

Acidity & Brightness: Moderately bright, very sweet

Balance & Finish: Well balanced with a nutty finish

Body & Texture: Full body with a creamy, almost velvety texture

Flavors: Nectarine, orange, cane sugar, walnut & hibiscus

Grade: A

Processing: Fully Washed, dried on raised beds

Grower: Jarama Farm

Region: Gihombo Sector, Nyamasheke District

Varieties: Local Bourbon varieties

Roasting: We like this coffee in the City+ to Full City range (near the end of first crack to just before 2nd crack). If you want to squeeze out more body, go right up to just before 2nd crack. For more acidity and fruit, pull your roast during 1st crack.

Reminder! This coffee is raw, you must roast it before brewing

Our Review: "One of this year’s suite of coffees from the boutique Kivubelt group in western Rwanda, this lot comes from the Jarama farm, one of three estates owned and operated by Kivubelt in the Nyamasheke region. Kivubelt was established in 2011 by Furaha Umwizey, after returning to Rwanda with a master’s degree in economics from Switzerland. Born and raised in Rwanda, Umwizey’s goal with Kivubelt is to create a model coffee plantation, as sustainable in agriculture as it is impactful in local employment and empowerment. The Nyamasheke district in Rwanda is gifted in terroir. The cool, humid climates of both Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe Forest National Park keep groundwater abundant throughout the uniquely hilly region. Kivu itself is part of the East African Rift whose consistent drift creates volcanic seepage from the lake’s bottom and enriches the surrounding soils. Coffees from this region are often jammier and heavier than in the rest of the country. Coffee from Jarama farm in particular is rich and delicate, with hibiscus aromatics, soft acidity, and toasted nut." - Royal Coffee

After seeing the name "Kivubelt" crop up (no pun intended) in the boutique coffee community, I knew I had to get my hands on some of their coffee. I expected a quality cup that would make a nice addition to our African offerings. Well lemme tell ya, it's so much more than that! After one sip, I knew this coffee was going in my Top 3. The aroma has a hibiscus and honeysuckle aroma that is intoxicating, like a tropical breeze. It's got pleasantly round acidity and a creamy, almost velvety body. Immersion brewing will bridge that gap firmly into velvety. Excellent body and balance. The flavors are well balanced yet easy to pick out: nectarine, orange and pure cane sugar stood out well for me. Finally a walnut finish all accompanied by that sweet summer hibiscus. Don't miss this one!