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Gasharu – Red Bourbon

Microlot

Gasharu, Nyamasheke, Rwanda – Washed Anaerobic Red Bourbon

– “A vibrant and delightful selection of meticulously processed Rwandan Red Bourbon, produced by our long-standing friend Valentin Kimenyi”.

What to expect in the cup

Mirabelle plum, apricot, honey. A well-balanced cup characterised by tangy stone fruit acidity, complemented by natural sweetness of blossom honey and a refined floral aroma.

£12.00£48.00

This marks our third year collaborating with Valentin, and the lots sourced from Gasharu continue to impress us. Following our meeting at the World of Coffee event in Copenhagen last year, Valentin gave us a sample from a unique lot that was produced in very limited quantities. We took the sample back to Bristol for cupping and were thoroughly impressed. Valentin detailed that the coffee cherries for this lot are harvested from a region adjacent to Lake Kivu and in close proximity to Nyungwe National Park, one of the largest and most well-preserved montane rainforests in Central Africa, renowned for its rich biodiversity and housing approximately 25% of Africa’s primate species. The cherries are carefully handpicked and floated to ensure that only the perfectly ripe fruits are selected. Subsequently, the cherries are pulped and placed in fermentation tanks for 36 hours, with added water to prevent oxidation and over-fermentation of the seeds. Finally, the seeds are removed and dried on African raised beds for a duration of 15 days.
Gasharu washing station is situated in proximity to the Rwanda Congo Nile Mountain Chain. Nyungwe Forest National Park, recognised as one of the largest and most well-preserved montane rainforests in Central Africa, boasts a remarkable biodiversity, including an estimated 25% of Africa’s primate species. The region’s elevation, soil composition, and climate create an ideal environment for coffee cultivation. Consequently, it is not surprising that this area produces exceptional coffees, characterised by a rich, complex profile with citrus notes and vibrant stone fruit qualities. The farms associated with Gasharu predominantly consist of older plantations, with an average tree age of 20 years. A nursery is maintained to provide coffee plants to local farmers and to establish new farms. Each year, farmers engage in tree pruning, and stumping is performed after seven years. The soil is enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic compost to promote healthy growth. Gasharu is overseen by our long-standing friend Valentin Kimenyi, who manages daily operations at both the fields and the washing station, ensuring that only the highest quality coffees are produced and processed. Over the years, we have cultivated a strong partnership with Valentin and Gasharu, sharing several of their finest lots, including Intego and Rugori, and we look forward to further strengthening this relationship.