Burundi
Gakenke Washing Station, located in the province of Kayanza, was established in 1991. On average, most farmers hold only 250 trees on roughly a tenth of a hectare. In addition to growing coffee, they also grow crops like bananas, beans, yams, taro, and cassava.
Due to the small size and average coffee yield, washing stations are the primary point of purchase in Burundi. Unlike other coffee-growing regions in Central and South America, where landholdings are slightly larger and coffee-centric resources are more available, most producers do not have space on their property or the financial means to do their wet- or dry-milling. Instead, the majority of growers deliver cherry to a facility that does the sorting, blending, and post-harvest processing of day lots to create different offerings.
Coffees are cupped from more than 50 washing stations in an attempt to pinpoint those with the best practices, cleanest cups, and most high-quality micro-lot farms. While the logistics of buying coffees from Burundi are extremely challenging, we love the heavy figgy, fruity, and lively coffees found there.
This coffee is bright with hints of sweet Jasmine, tangy red grape, and pear-like crispness. Equally great on a pour-over or french press, try brewing it between 201-203 degrees.
Variety: Bourbon
Processing: Washed
Altitude: 1,650-1950 masl
Roast Level: Medium-light
