Remera #8

Burundi may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but the coffees grown there carry an incredible amount of depth and character. This lot comes from the hills surrounding Kayanza in northern Burundi, where smallholder farmers grow coffee at some of the highest elevations in the country. The journey from the capital to these remote communities takes hours over rough dirt roads, and many producers still deliver their coffee to the Umoco washing station on foot.

Coffee is a major source of income for families here, often helping cover essentials like schooling, food, and livestock. Most farmers grow coffee alongside crops like bananas, beans, and cassava, relying on the rich soil and cool climate near Kibira National Forest rather than expensive fertilizers. The combination of high elevation, steady rainfall, and careful processing creates coffees with remarkable clarity and sweetness.

At Umoco, which means “light” in Kirundi, coffee is processed using a traditional double fermentation method before drying slowly on raised beds for several weeks. The extra attention shows up clearly in the cup. Expect a coffee that is bright and complex with lively fruit notes, balanced sweetness, and a clean finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.