Gihanga, meaning “Creator” or “Founder”, is a Rwandan cultural hero described in oral histories as an ancient king popularly credited with establishing the ancient Kingdom of Rwanda. Oral legends relate that Gihanga introduced foundational elements of the African Great Lakes civilization, including fire, cattle, metalworking, hunting, woodworking, and pottery. He is described as possessing talents in leadership, technology, and religion.

We’re excited to offer another harvest of this tasty treat. Rwandan coffees are known for their sweet, fruity flavors and nice acidity, and Lot 1 showcases both. Brought to the country by German missionaries in the early 20^th century, coffee farming in Rwanda began to increase in the 1930s. Initially predominantly low-grade, high volume green coffee beans produced as one of the country’s few significant cash crops, coffee farming in Rwanda grew to represent economic opportunities for many rural families. Today Rwanda is Africa’s ninth largest Arabica coffee producer with about 500,000 Rwandan small coffee farms averaging about 165 coffee trees per coffee farmer. This sweet, vibrant coffee was produced by a small collective of producers associated with the Busanze washing station. The coffee was grown in the Southern Province’s Nyaruguru District, where the collective helps to bring affordable healthcare to families who would otherwise not be able to access or afford it.

Gihanga Lot 1 is produced from the Red Bourbon varietal, an heirloom coffee varietal with great flavor profiles and a long history in the region. This coffee was grown at elevations between 1850 – 2100 MASL and is fully washed. Roasting this coffee brings out the vibrant fruitiness of dried mango and nectarine while delivering a sweet, full finish. This is a bright, unique coffee…and we hope you enjoy it!