IN THE CUP: maple, melon & elderflower

Origin: Nyamasheke, Rwanda | Producer: The Rugali Washing Station | Variety: Red Bourbon |   Process: Anoxic Natural | Altitude: 1600 MASL | Harvest: 2024

Our season of Rwandan coffees comes to a close with this exceptional lot from the Rugali Washing Station in Nyamasheke. Rugali is part of the Muraho Trading Company’s esteemed network of washing stations across Rwanda—including Shyira—which, in partnership with our importers at Raw Material, is dedicated to raising the quality of Rwandan coffee and improving the livelihoods of local producers. It’s a continuous journey, one focused on achieving better prices and broader market access through quality-driven practices. In just a few years, Rugali has become a standout producer of competition-level coffees for the specialty market.

The local climate around Rugali is perfectly suited to natural processing. In fact, Rugali was the first washing station in Rwanda to be legally permitted to produce and sell naturally processed coffees. Located in the Western Province along the shores of Lake Kivu, Nyamasheke is a region of breathtaking beauty. Its lush, mist-covered hills offer ideal drying conditions and lend themselves to the area’s distinctive cup profile—vibrant acidity, delicate florals, and layers of rich fruit and citrus.

Beyond coffee, Nyamasheke sits near the ancient Nyungwe Forest, home to rare primates and steeped in cultural heritage. It’s not just a source of exceptional coffee, but a living reflection of Rwanda’s natural and human richness.

We’re thrilled to share this beautiful example of what Rwandan coffee has to offer. In the cup, you’ll find notes of papaya and a melon-like acidity, balanced by the sweetness of maple. A heady elderflower floral character lifts the experience from excellent to extraordinary.

*Our coffee is freshly roasted each week and orders are dispatched on Tuesday and Thursday for orders received by 12pm the day before.