The Rwanda Red Bourbon Coffee Story

Nestled among the dramatic, coffee-covered hills of the Nyamasheke district in Western Rwanda, lies Gatare—one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious washing stations. Established in 2003, Gatare draws from the exceptional harvests of local smallholders, whose volcanic soils and high-altitude plots create the perfect conditions for the prized Red Bourbon varietal. Boasting a storied history of success in the Cup of Excellence competitions, this lot represents the very peak of Rwanda’s rich coffee heritage and processing expertise.

The Gatare 1126 undergoes a highly sophisticated Anaerobic Natural process, meticulously managed to draw out an incredibly deep and luxurious flavor profile. Following a rigorous selection of the finest Red Bourbon cherries, the coffee is subjected to a precise oxygen-free fermentation phase. This controlled environment intensifies the sugars and unlocks a remarkable depth of character before the cherries are slowly dried, allowing the complex sugars to fully infuse the bean.

The result of this painstaking craftsmanship is a truly magnificent and sophisticated cup. Boasting a superb cup score of 85, it delivers a rich, multi-layered profile defined by indulgent notes of fudge and dark chocolate, beautifully balanced by dried fruits, a hint of rum, warming nutmeg, and a vibrant touch of orange zest.