This is one of those coffees I hear about year after year, mostly from Harley saying how annoyed he is we don't have it. Sometimes he just says Bumbogo as an adjective for good with no context.
Well, we've got it now, Bumbogo! Let me tell you all about it!
It's a lovely lively Rwandan, and it's got nothing to do with Emmanuel Rusatira.
Wait, what's that?
Ok so it's got everything to do with Emmanuel Rusatira even though we didn't buy it through him, he owns the station and is Director of Quality at Muraho who operate it. Nice to have a Rwanda from someone else for a change...
We purchased this lot through Raw Material. I've fed all their info through a chatbot and had it spat out in "our own words" for your enjoyment:
At Cuppers Choice Coffee Roasters, we are thrilled to share the story behind our latest offering, sourced from the Bumbogo Washing Station in Rwanda’s renowned Gakenke district. This coffee is a testament to the meticulous care and dedication of the producers and processors who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional quality.
The Process: From Cherry to Parchment
The journey begins with careful hand-sorting of freshly harvested cherry, where underripe or damaged cherries and any foreign materials are removed. The remaining cherry is floated in pre-pulping tanks to eliminate low-density "floaters," ensuring only the highest quality makes it to the next stage.
After pulping, the coffee undergoes fermentation in concrete tanks for an average of 12 hours. During this time, the coffee is agitated by ceremonial foot-stomping, a traditional technique that ensures even fermentation and enhances quality. Once fermented, the coffee is graded by density in serpentine grading channels, where parchment is separated into different quality tiers.
The washing process further refines the parchment, with continuous agitation cleaning away residual mucilage. A final post-wash rinse prepares the parchment for hand-sorting, where any insect-damaged, discoloured, or chipped coffee is removed.
Finally, the coffee is laid out to dry on raised beds. Here, it is turned regularly throughout the day to ensure even drying—a process that takes 30 days to complete.
Bumbogo: A Partnership in Excellence
The Bumbogo Washing Station, located in the Gakenke district, is known for producing some of Rwanda’s finest coffees. Built in 2017, this station has rapidly grown, doubling its production since 2018. Its sprawling drying beds, perched on the hillsides, are a hallmark of its success and dedication to quality.
We source this coffee through our trusted partners at Muraho Trading Co., who work closely with local communities to empower producers and improve yields. Their focus extends beyond processing coffee, helping farmers achieve long-term sustainability and access new markets. This collaborative model enables producers to fetch higher prices for their coffee while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Why This Coffee Stands Out
The Gakenke district is a highly competitive coffee-growing region and home to several winning lots in the Cup of Excellence. Bumbogo’s proximity to Kigali and its commitment to quality make it a standout among the washing stations we partner with.
By bringing this coffee to the UK, we aim to celebrate not only its outstanding cup profile but also the story of the people behind it. At Cuppers Choice, we are proud to roast this coffee to perfection, highlighting the vibrant and nuanced flavours that are the hallmark of Bumbogo's dedication and expertise.
