Long Miles – Red Bourbon

This coffee marks two firsts for us: our first release from Burundi and our first collaboration with Long Miles Coffee.

Founded by Ben and Kristy Carlson, Long Miles has become one of the most respected coffee projects in Burundi, working closely with farming communities across the country's remote hills. Their approach centres on transparency, long term relationships and a deep commitment to improving quality at every stage of production.

This lot comes from Giku Hill in Butanyerera Province, where 742 smallholder farmers delivered coffee to Long Miles' Ninga Washing Station during the 2025 harvest. Situated in a remote and mountainous region near the Kibira Forest, coffee is the most important crop grown on the hill, with farming deeply woven into daily life.

Ninga is Long Miles' third washing station, established to provide local farmers with a closer and more reliable place to process their coffee. Since its first season, the station has gained a reputation for producing elegant and complex coffees with remarkable clarity and structure.

From the first time we tasted this lot, we were drawn to its vibrancy, sweetness and sense of place. We are incredibly excited to begin working with Long Miles and to introduce Burundi to the Sweven range, a relationship we hope will continue to grow in the years ahead.

This lot is produced from Red Bourbon, a variety that has become synonymous with Burundi's finest coffees. Grown on Giku Hill at around 1700 metres above sea level, the variety benefits from cool conditions and slow cherry maturation, contributing to the clarity and sweetness that define the cup.

Following selective harvesting, cherries are delivered to Ninga Washing Station, where they are carefully sorted before being pulped and fully washed. The coffee then undergoes a traditional washed process, designed to highlight the intrinsic character of the variety and terroir. Drying takes place slowly on raised beds, allowing sweetness, structure and aromatics to develop with precision.

In the cup, expect marmalade, sencha and toffee apple. Rich and jammy sweetness is balanced by structured acidity, while a refined green tea complexity brings depth and elegance. Notes of orange peel linger through the finish, creating a cup that feels vibrant, composed and distinctly Burundian.

This is a beautifully transparent expression of Red Bourbon, showcasing both the potential of Giku Hill and the meticulous work of the Long Miles team.