Burundi Kayanza Buzira CWS Natural

Tasting Note: Plum | Dark Berries | Brown Sugar | Lingering

Size: 200g / 1kg

Brewing Recommendation: Filter Brew / Modern Espresso

We have some information about Burundian coffees, but first - flavours!

Although the quality of the acid in this coffee lean more towards stonefruit (plum) and dark berries, the intensity of the acidity isn't high. We find it moderate especially when the brown sugary sweetness balances the acidity out. If you're a fan of using lighter roast for milk-based espressos, this coffee can be sweet.

On the Buzira CWS

Established since 2010, Buziraguhindwa Coffee Washing Station (shortened to Buzira CWS) has been serving small local farmers around their vicinity in a similar format to the Ethiopian coffee industry - once coffees are harvested when they are ripe, local farmers deliver their fresh crops in cherry form to Buzira CWS to be processed.

Unlike other countries where farmers sometimes own several hectares of lands, the Burundian farmers own less than half a hectare of land on average; in addition, the local Burundians also cultivate agricultural produces other than coffees, such as banana and  in order to survive. That's why the Buzira CWS serves up to 3000 farmers around them!

Brief Background of Burundian Coffees

An interesting note to take - when you see any origin that is considered "rare", it is often due to complications in politics, logistics and accessibility. 

Burundi experienced a devastating civil war back in 1990s, and as they were recovering, coffee export emerged as a potential sector to connect the broken country with the world economy and increase foreign currency exchange to boost the overall economy.

However, logistics and management still posed a problem as the Burundian recuperate. In the attempt to stabilize the market, the country took inspiration from their neighbouring country, Rwanda, who was successful in rebuilding through coffee at that time.

It is only recent years that Burundi has a more consistent export with reliable quality, after long years of battling the "potato" defects (click here to read more on potato defects!)

On the Naming of the Coffee

At The Crackpots Coffee Roaster, we always try to help beginners and advanced drinkers alike to understand more about coffees. One of our efforts is to explain the various cryptic names of coffees which could be confusing.

Here’s a breakdown of this coffee: