This month, we’re heading to the hills of Burundi for a coffee that brings together vibrant fruit character with a clean, structured finish. Our June Specialty Estate, Burundi Kigina, offers a great example of how careful processing and strong producer relationships can elevate both flavour and consistency.
Sourced from Kigina Hill in the Bujumbura Mairie region, this coffee is produced by a group of smallholder farmers, 92 to be exact, working at altitudes around 1,730 metres above sea level. Like much of Burundi’s coffee sector, these farmers manage small plots of land, carefully tending their trees throughout the season before delivering ripe cherries to a central processing facility.
The Role of the Washing Station
This lot is processed at the Kinama Washing Station, part of a broader initiative led by Migoti Coffee Company. Established in 2022, the station was built to improve both coffee quality and access to the coffee market for local farmers. What began with simple drying tables has quickly developed into a more complete processing operation, including wet milling, storage, and logistics infrastructure.
Today, the station receives cherries from dozens of producers in the surrounding area, with careful sorting and separation allowing higher-quality lots, like this one, to stand on their own. This approach not only improves consistency but also creates an opportunity for farmers to be recognised and rewarded for better picking and handling practices.
What to Expect in the Cup
The Kigina Natural delivers a bright, fruit-forward profile, with notes of red apple, strawberry, and tropical fruit, lifted by a subtle bergamot orange taste. There’s a clear sweetness running through the cup, supported by a smooth, structured body that keeps everything balanced.