Burundi is a small, landlocked nation in East Africa. It is a country often under-appreciated as a coffee producer but is happily gaining a reputation for outstanding quality lots that rival those of its neighbours Rwanda, Tanzania and the DRC. We had the privilege of visiting in 2017 when our co-founder Hols was on the tasting panel for the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition. This experience was incredibly educational in learning more about the workings of the coffee market there and the opportunities there are for true social and economic development with a more quality-minded approach. We are always searching for better ways of working to try to undo structures that exist to prioritise the buyer over the producer and were delighted this season to secure a couple of lots from Raw Material (a non-profit) who own the Izuba washing station which processes cherries from the Kigeri community in Kayanza. They work with the sole aim of securing higher profits for both producers and employees of the company.

This is a super clean washed lot best suited to be enjoyed without milk on paper filter methods.