Rwanda - Michel Dusengimana, Red Bourbon Washed

Origine: Gakenke District, Northern Province, Rwanda     
Variety: Red bourbon
Process: Washed
Elevation: 2,002 MASL
Washing Station: Nkara Washing Station
Washing Station Owner: Dukunde Kawa Cooperative

Our second release of Rwandan coffee in this season.
This is a single farm lot by Michel Dusengimana, which is rare in Rwanda.

As one of the original farmer members of the cooperative, Michel Dusengimana is fully committed to the work of Dukunde Kawa. He began his coffee career at 15, when he planted his first plot after being inspired by his parents and the hope that coffee farming could earn him a good income. Michel has since expanded into three plots, and built a house (complete with solar panels and running water), where he lives with Devotha and their three sons. He began full-time employment at the co-op in 2004, as a machine operator at Ruli washing station, where he processed the cooperative’s first batch of coffee cherries. When the building of Nkara was completed and production large enough to need a full-time station manager, Michel was eager to take the role on. Nearly twenty years later, Dusengimana remains as enthusiastic as ever, leading his them with great care and respect.

Why this lot is rare

Most of the coffees we source from Rwanda are traceable back to a washing station, or sometimes a farmer group. Typically, washing stations in Rwanda receive cherry from hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of farmers who own very small plots of land – on average less than a quarter hectare, with just 300-600 coffee trees. Separation of such tiny lots is expensive and impractical, so the large majority of coffees are processed as a mixed lot from multiple producers. Lots are separated as day lots (ie. cherries that were all picked on the same day) rather than by a single farm or producer group.

Single farm microlots like this one are difficult to access, especially from such a small-scale producer (Michel owns 541 trees across three plots). In this case, it is made possible because Michel is a member of Dukunde Kawa Cooperative, who have recognised the excellent agronomical practices he follows and consider him a role model to neighbouring farmers. Because the co-op also operate their own dry mill, they can process smaller lots individually, whilst minimising cost and maintaining excellent quality standards. We feel extremely fortunate to be able to share this special lot from Michel Dusengimana and wife Devotha Nyirahabimana. 

Expected Taste Notes

Rich and Complex
Caramel, Raisin, Dried apricot