Rwanda Ishema Natural from Pražírna Krok is a sweet and juicy pour-over that blends forest fruits, strawberries, and cocoa with fresher grapefruit and a subtle hint of tonic water. You’ll also detect black tea in the flavor, which softens the entire profile and adds a cleaner, more elegant finish. The natural processing method gives the coffee fruitiness and a more pronounced sweetness without the cup veering toward a heavy, fermented character. If you enjoy filter coffees that are fruity yet offer plenty of freshness and structure, you’re sure to enjoy this combination of sweet strawberries, a citrusy sparkle, and a delicate cocoa aftertaste.
The coffee comes from western Rwanda, from the Rusizi district, where the Ishema processing station is located. It lies at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level in an area with fertile volcanic soils, a stable tropical climate, and regular rainfall. Cherries are supplied to the station by roughly 674 smallholder farmers from the surrounding hills, and during the peak season, approximately 600 to 800 metric tons of coffee cherries are processed here. After being acquired by C. Dorman Rwanda, Ishema underwent modernization and now features new equipment as well as 130 elevated African beds. The station is also dedicated to supporting the local community, educating farmers, planting shade trees, and managing wastewater more sustainably.
The variety is Red Bourbon, which is one of the most widespread in Rwanda and is popular for its sweet, fruity, and clean character. The processing method is natural. After harvest, the cherries are first sorted by hand and then undergo water sorting, during which lighter and lower-quality fruits are separated. Within eight hours of harvest, they are spread out on raised African beds, where they dry whole—including the pulp—for approximately 12 to 20 days, depending on the weather.
- Elevation: 1,300 m above sea level