From the heart of Rwanda's Nyamasheke region, this coffee is the result of a dedicated project initiated by Immanuel Gatare, the director of Thousand Hills Coffee. He discovered 315 smallholder farmers who lacked access to a cooperative or coffee washing station and brought them together to form the Viva collective in 2022. The Nyamasheke washing station, located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Lake Kivu, plays a crucial role in this project. Originally built by the Rwandan Army and now maintained by Rwacof, this facility ensures that the coffee collected in bulk from local growers is carefully sorted and selected for export. This washed Bourbon variety offers an extra syrupy texture with a sweetness as rich as honey, complemented by delicate floral notes. The tasting notes include strawberry compote, bright makrut lime, and a delicate lychee sweetness. This coffee was imported by our friends at First Crop Coffee, who partner with the Viva collective and support the empowerment of producers, giving them a market to sell this wonderful coffee.

Espresso
Starting with an open ratio and quick extraction time.
D: 21
Y: 48
T:24 secs

Very sweet and floral with this type of extraction, might not be the best in milk however.
- Tommy