This coffee from the Nemba washing station is a perfect example of why washed coffees from Burundi are so highly prized among pour-over enthusiasts. In the cup, it displays incredible clarity and a lively character typical of this region. The dominant notes are subtle hints of dried apricots (orejones), which give the coffee a pleasant fruity depth. This fruitiness is accompanied by an intoxicating aroma of white flowers and a sweetness reminiscent of high-quality wildflower honey. It is a delicate and beautifully structured cup that leaves a very light and refreshing impression.
The beans for this lot come from 1,074 small-scale farmers in the northern province of Kayanza. Each of these farmers tends to an average of just 150 coffee trees, allowing them to devote maximum care to every Red Bourbon tree. The coffee trees grow at altitudes above 1,700 meters above sea level, in close proximity to the Kibila rainforest. The Nemba station operates under the strict supervision of the chief agronomist and serves as an educational hub, where farmers learn modern techniques to optimize their yields and protect the quality of their harvest. The project also has a strong community impact, including initiatives focused on raising livestock for fertilizer production, which directly contributes to the sustainable development of local families.
The crystal-clear clarity and sparkling acidity of this coffee are the result of a precisely controlled fully washed process. Hand-picked cherries at the peak of ripeness are fermented after the skin is removed to rid the beans of pulp residue, and then rinsed with clean water. The key phase takes place on more than 200 raised African beds, where the beans rest in the sun. It is the constant air circulation and regular manual turning that ensure even drying and the stability of all sensory attributes. For this lot, the roaster selected a roast profile that highlights this technological purity and brings out the delicate floral notes and honeyed body. The result is a technically refined coffee that perfectly represents the exceptional Burundian terroir.