Tea-like aroma, bright citrus, brown sugar
About This Coffee
Gitwe washing station is located in Rwanda’s southern Nyamasheke District, a region known for its high elevations and strong coffee-growing potential. We first began buying this coffee in 2018, and after tasting a sample on an origin trip that year, we even adjusted our travel plans to make sure we could visit the station in person. Since then, Gitwe has continued to improve, including investments in a water filtration system and a storage setup that stands out for its thoughtful design.
The station is equipped to handle the harvest with ample fermentation tanks and patio space, supporting both wet and dry process coffees. This fully washed lot is a top-scoring coffee from our first Rwandan container, and it reflects the care and progress behind the station’s work.
Flavor Profile
Cupping Notes: Gitwe offers a classic Rwanda cup with a strong, versatile sweetness that holds up across a wide range of roasts. The dry fragrance brings caramel and butterscotch, layered with baking spice and chocolate malted grains, while the wet aroma adds cinnamon-laced caramel, malt syrup, and a touch of dried fruit.
Recommended Roast: Light to Medium. In the cup, the light to medium roast shows vibrant, tangy lemon-like brightness with a citrus peel edge, balanced by brown-sugar sweetness and a honey graham cracker aftertaste. As it cools, a lemongrass tea note adds freshness.
Technical Details
- Origin: Rwanda
- Region: Nyamasheke, Western Province
- Altitude: 1,800 – 2,000 meters
- Varietal: Bourbon
- Processing: Wet Process (Washed)
- Grade: A1
- Sourcing: Sweet Maria’s