Burundi Ruronge Hill Red Bourbon – Washed

Green apple, caramel, and an unusual cola-like note come together in a clean, fresh, and highly approachable cup. Its light and delicate structure leaves room for lively acidity and brown-sugar sweetness, finishing clean and balanced.

This Red Bourbon shows an especially accessible expression of Burundi: enough fruit and freshness to remain interesting as filter coffee, while retaining the sweetness and rounded character needed for espresso.

Flavor Profile

• Main notes: caramel, cola, and green apple
• Additional aromatics: brown sugar and citrus
• Acidity: medium, fresh, and apple-like
• Body: light to medium, delicate, and tea-like
• Aftertaste: clean, sweet, and balanced
• Overall profile: fresh, sweet, clean, and approachable

Green apple provides the liveliest and juiciest part of the cup. Caramel adds familiar sweetness, while the cola-like note introduces a subtly spiced and distinctive dimension.

Brown sugar and citrus can appear in the aroma, while the mouthfeel remains light and clean.

Origin and Processing

This coffee comes from Burundi and brings together cherries cultivated by 115 smallholder farmers from the hills surrounding Ruronge.

The lot is connected to the Ruronge Washing Station, where cherries are received, sorted, and processed collectively. This structure allows many small family farms to contribute to a more consistent and traceable lot.

The variety is Red Bourbon, one of the varieties most closely associated with Burundi and valued for its ability to produce sweet, clean cups with fruit-driven acidity.

Processing begins with approximately one day of fermentation. The cherries are then depulped and the coffee is thoroughly washed.

Before final drying, the coffee spends five days pre-drying in the shade. It is then transferred to raised beds in the sun, where it dries slowly for approximately 3–4 weeks.

This extended drying period supports gradual and uniform moisture reduction while helping preserve cup cleanliness and stability.

Why You’ll Love It

• Fresh and recognisable profile: green apple supported by caramel
• Distinctive accent: the cola-like note adds personality without dominating
• Light texture: ideal for those who prefer clean, less heavy coffees
• Slow drying: 3–4 weeks on raised beds
• Highly versatile: suitable for filter, espresso, and cold brewing

Ideal for

• V60: highlights green apple, citrus, and clarity
• Batch brew: produces a clean, sweet, and approachable cup
• AeroPress: adds some body while retaining freshness
• Espresso: develops caramel and balanced fruit acidity
• Milk espresso: sweetness and caramel integrate well with milk
• French press: provides additional body without completely losing clarity
• Cold brew: creates a fresh, sweet, and lightly fruit-driven drink

Technical Details

• Origin: Burundi
• Area: Ruronge
• Processing station: Ruronge Washing Station
• Lot type: collective production from 115 smallholder farmers
• Lead farmer: Ntungawnayo Sadoscale
• Species: Arabica
• Variety: Red Bourbon
• Processing: Washed
• Fermentation: approximately 1 day
• Pre-drying: 5 days in shade
• Drying: 3–4 weeks on raised beds
• Altitude: 1,190 m.a.s.l.
• Score: 85
• Tasting notes: caramel, cola, and green apple
• Aromatics: brown sugar and citrus
• Profile: clean, sweet, fresh, and balanced

Summary

A clean and approachable Burundian Red Bourbon with green apple, caramel, and a distinctive cola-like note. Its light body, freshness, and balanced sweetness make it highly versatile for filter brewing, espresso, and cold brew.