April 2022

Mystery Coffee

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo Katana
Variety: Arabica JBM (a type of Typica) and Bourbon (Jackson)
Processing: Washed
Altitude: 1,500 - 1,800 m.a.s.l.
Tasting notes: lemon, grapefruit, black tea

The Story of the Coffee from Shokunin

The story of Idjwi is as versatile as it is both wonderful and tragic. Located in lake Kivu between Congo and Rwanda, this island is wholly different from its surroundings. For decades it has been a refuge for people trying to escape wars and genocide. With its lack of industry and even cars, this island truly is the most tranquil place you can find in the country.

Originally, the Belgians planted coffee here, but because of the plummet of coffee prices in the 1980’s, plantations were neglected. Still, many people relied on solely this product as their income. Because of the lack of organization and the island’s location right in between two countries, illicit trade was the only way to bring this coffee to the market. This did not only give the Rwandese complete power over the coffee prices, but bandits prowled these smuggling routes, stealing coffee and even killing the farmers.

The striking number of widows on the island was one of the main reasons for the farming community to make a stand and organize themselves with a cooperative structure. One of these coops is CPNCK, which, under the management of Gilbert Makelele and his cooperation with many different oganizations, has drastically improved the lives in the community.

There is a strong sense of mission and the people are eager to learn how they can improve their product and create more demand. The first offer samples we tasted were incredible and convinced us this is a truly game changing project. We hope that through communication all along the chain, we can help create this demand and explore this amazing coffee’s potential.

TOP3 of April 2022 round
1. Judy, Dawid - 26 points
2. erbse - 23 points
3. NeonBot, McBreezy, SneakyTurtle, bbartha, Adam87 - 22 points

Coffee of the Month

Filter and Espresso of the Month

The coffee winning the voting is

🇷🇼 Rwanda Rugali Anoxic

Variety: Red Bourbon
Processing: Anoxic
Tasting notes: raspberry bubble gum