Rwanda Nyamasheke PB: Sample Coffee Brew Crew

Rwanda

Nyamasheke PB

Released January 4, 2016

Tasting notes

Blood orange, peach
Medium bodied with medium acidity

If you take a closer look at these beans, you’ll notice something unusual: the beans are a little smaller and more rounded in shape compared to the usual half-sphere. This unusual bean shape is called a Peaberry, often shortened to PB.

Comparing a peaberry bean with a typical bean (in this case, Ethiopian Heirloom)

Normally a coffee bean splits in two during development giving it the typical shape, but up to ten percent of crops can develop as peaberries.

Traditionally in countries other than Kenya, peaberries are not separated out and traded as a separate lot, but our sourcing partners at Nordic Approach have worked with several washing stations and producers in the Nyamasheke region to keep aside the highest quality peaberries, which is why we’re able to enjoy this coffee.

Most Rwandan farmers plant subsistance crops, with only ten percent of farmers growing coffee – but it’s already become a significant crop for trade, generating up around 40% of all export revenue.

Country: Rwanda
Region: Nyungwe, Western Province
Altitude: 1700 – 2000m above sea level
Varietals: Heirloom Bourbon
Process: Washed, Dried On Raised Beds

What makes up Rwanda Nyamasheke PB?

The location

Coffee from Rwanda

Since the genocide of 1994, coffee has come to represent a symbol of recovery and regrowth for Rwanda.

The Southern and Western Region region of Rwanda

Centred around 3 main areas; the Huye mountains, the Nyamagabe region, and the Nyamasheke region in close proximity to Lake Kivu

Farm processes

Washed, Dried On Raised Beds process

Machines are used to remove the flesh from the coffee cherry before being fermented in water, washed again, and finally sun dried. This process tends to result in more distinct, cleaner flavours.