Christmas Coffee: Rwanda Kinini KCRS

This year I've decided to select a special coffee just for Christmas and recently, when I found out that there was some of the Rwanda Kinini KCRS available, I knew it was going to be this one. When I first cupped it I got peach and apricot with a syrupy body and a tea-like finish. It's bright and juicy without being sharp and I think it's the perfect coffee for a lazy Christmas morning with the cafetiere.

Who grows it

This coffee comes from the women of KCRS, the Cooperative Coffee Rusiga Sector in Rulindo district. The women of this district took over ownership of the land and, with the help of Jacqui Turner from the Kinini washing station, set up their own cooperative.

They're now organised into twelve village groups so they can train and support each other. Most of the farms run by the women sit above 2,000 metres above sea level. Not only do they grow coffee, but also beans, sweet potatoes and other crops amongst the coffee trees. This helps them spread their income throughout the year. I love being able to share a coffee with a story like this.

Why it tastes like it does

Rwanda does washed processing slightly differently. After pulping, the coffee is dry-fermented for 24 hours and then undergoes a wet ferment before a final 24-hour soak. That's what gives it its syrupy body and all that layered fruit. It also holds its flavour really well over a longer period, which makes it the perfect coffee to give as a present.

How I'd brew it

To bring out the fruitiness of this premium coffee, it really shines as a filter, pour-over or in a cafetiere. Drink it black to get the absolute best out of it.

The Details

Region: Rulindo, Rwanda

Washing Station: Kinini

Altitude: 1,800 to 2,500 metres above sea level

Process: Fully Washed

Tasting Notes: Peach, orange, apricot and a tea-like, syrup body.

Acidity: Medium to high

Roast Level: Medium

I roast everything to order here in Leeds, just for you.

Available in 200g and 450g bags as either whole bean or ground for your brew method. Also available in 1kg bags as whole bean only.

Merry Christmas!

Dave