RWANDA, Rugali, Nyamasheke

Producer: Muraho Trading Co. 

Growing altitude: 1600-1800m above sea level.

Botanical variety: Bourbon.

Process: Natural Anaerobic.

Tasting notes: Molasses, raspberry, passion fruit, cranberry flavours.

Roast date: 18 September, 2024

The journey to Rugali coffee washing station (CWS) from the capital city Kigali is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives to any coffee washing stations in Rwanda. 

Nyamasheke District is graced with thousands of green lush forests, trade mark Rwandan rolling hills, villages, coffee trees and so much more. Just when you think it cannot get any more majestic you're greeted by the iconic Lake Kivu, the biggest lake in Rwanda overseeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

Rugali is located at the shores of Lake Kivu and is surrounded by the thousand hills of Rwanda. Every Wednesday you will witness and experience the true feeling of real Rwandese culture and farm life as the Rugali markets take place. Cows, goats, chickens, pigs and fish are all brought in using various forms of transport by the local community for trading. Further to this, an abundance of organic fresh fruits and vegetables are also sold at these markets.

Rugali in its short existence has gone from being a small CWS to one of the most respected and impactful in its community. This comes down to the tireless efforts of our Rugali families.

Bourbon variety plants comprise 95% of all coffee trees cultivated in Rwanda. This coffee variety has always delivered big in sweetness and body structure, and with this lot it's no exception. The anaerobic processing also allows a very balanced yet fruit forward coffee. 

Today, smallholders propel the industry in Rwanda forward. The country doesn’t have any large estates. Most coffee is grown by the 400,000+ smallholders, who own less than a quarter of a hectare. 

Our relationship with Muraho, and their family of producers, allow us the ability to support his cottage industry and we in-turn showcase some of Rwanda's best coffee. 

Actually, coffees from this station have been used in multiple national and international barista competitions. Rugali along with little sister Kilimbi were the first stations in Rwanda history to produce and export Natural and Honey processed coffee legally. This has now paved the way for other coffee producers in Rwanda!