Rwamatamu Washed – Crisp, Juicy Rwanda from Nyamasheke
🍊 Orange // Peach // Plum // Redcurrant 🍑
Think fresh peach and orange juice with a redcurrant kick. This is classic Rwandan Red Bourbon—crisp, juicy, and beautifully bright.
In January 2024, I visited Rwanda as part of the UK Rwanda Business Forum and was massively impressed by what I saw. On my return, I set about finding a great example of classic Rwandan Red Bourbon to share with you.
Working with my friend Dave Burton from Omwani Coffee, I sourced this lot from the Rwamatamu washing station in Nyamasheke, Western Province. Founded in 2015 by Mukantwaza Laetitia and Rutaganda Gaston, Rwamatamu focuses on positive social and economic impact for women in rural communities while running a serious commercial operation.
They harvest from 20 hectares of their own plantation and purchase cherries from local smallholder farmers. Coffee is picked between January and March at 1,800–2,000 masl on rich volcanic soil, then pulped, fermented, and fully washed with spring water before being sun-dried and hand-sorted. The result? A medium-light roast with high sweetness, bright acidity, and that classic Red Bourbon punch.
🌍 Origin: Rwamatamu, Nyamasheke, Rwanda
👩🌾 Producers: Rwamatamu Coffee Ltd
🌱 Varietal: Red Bourbon
⛰️ Altitude: 1,800 – 2,000 masl
🔬 Process: Fully washed
Brewing Suggestions
Filter: Crisp, juicy, and bright—orange and peach with plum depth.
Espresso: Vibrant and fruity. Add milk for a peachy, citrus-forward latte with redcurrant complexity.
