Who would expect a taste of the Caribbean in Ugandan coffee? The Prague-based roastery Candycane Coffee presents Kiwabo, in which sweet tropical fruit and delicate coconut meet the distinctive flavor of strawberry jam with a subtle rum finish. The fruity juiciness is pleasantly complemented by notes of caramel and milk chocolate, which give the coffee a sweeter, rounder character. The finish reveals a hint of Caribbean rum, making the entire profile reminiscent of an exotic cocktail. The result is a full-bodied, distinctly fruity coffee with rich sweetness and a slightly alcoholic character, showcasing a slightly different side of Ugandan specialty coffee.
Kiwabo, which translates to “bloom,” comes from the Bulambuli region in eastern Uganda. It is produced by small local farmers whose coffee trees grow at elevations of 1,700–2,300 meters above sea level. The harvested cherries are transported to the Bulambuli station, which was built in 2022 by Ibero, a long-term partner of the Candycane roastery. The station processes the harvest from surrounding growers and helps develop the potential of local specialty coffee. Thanks to its high-altitude cultivation and careful processing, this coffee is gradually gaining more attention even beyond Uganda’s borders.
The coffee consists of the SL-28 and SL-14 varieties. While SL-28 is known primarily for its use in Kenyan coffees, SL-14 is one of the varieties that has long been cultivated in Uganda as well. Kiwabo underwent natural processing, in which the coffee cherries are dried whole—that is, together with the skin and pulp. During drying, they are turned regularly to minimize the risk of unwanted fermentation and ensure even drying. Only then are the dried husks removed, and the beans are prepared for further sorting. It is precisely the natural processing method that contributes to the more pronounced sweetness, fuller body, and intensely fruity character typical of this Ugandan coffee.
- Producer: Smallholder farmers from the Bulambuli region
- Processing station: Bulambuli Washing Station
- Elevation: 2,000 m above sea level
- Harvest: 2026