Roasti Rwanda Shyira

Notes: Golden Sugar, Pink Grapefruit, Black Cherry
Origin: Nyabihu District, Rwanda
Washing Station: Shyira
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1850 - 2300masl
Variety: Red Bourbon

The flavour profile of Shyira is reminiscent of top Ethiopian coffee. There's a beautiful acidity that's defined by a citrus medley, with floral top notes, a honey-like richness, a heavier-than-tea-like body and overall incredible smooth and structured composure.

A note from the importer: As one of the first international buyers to ever visit Shyira, it's quite exciting to see how it's developed and progressed throughout the years. Every year there's been challenges - as there is with the pursuit of anything. In 2020 there was a significant mudslide that affected many of the near 2000 farmers who contribute their cherry to Shyira CWS. The purchase of this coffee, and a premium paid this season, has supported the re-development of their communities.

Located in the North of Rwanda in an area known as Nyabihu, close by to the famed Virunga Mountain where you've possibly heard of the Silverback Gorillas. The landscape is beautifully lush and green, with steep slopes and rich red soils. Farms are more like backyard gardens, with an array of different crops planted in harmony, creating a wonderful sense of biodiversity.

The washing station itself is not large, with less than 50 raised drying beds. Washed coffees take up to 40 days to dry and natural even longer, up to 60 or 75 days - a huge reason as to why you'll see very little Shyira Natural on the global market. There is such a significant amount of cloud coverage and only so much sunlight that permeates through the mountain peaks above, day after day.

A word from Muraho Trading Co, founders of Shyira CWS;

"Our “Little Baby” Shyira is the smallest of all our CWS however it is the highest located known in Rwanda sitting at 1850m above sea level. Shyira is an hour drive up the hills from the township of Musanze (Ruhengeri). The weather conditions, soil type and its high-altitude lands makes this CWS an ideal setting for high-quality coffee processing and production. On the drive up to the CWS, when you reach on top of the Shyira hills, you will be met with a view that will take your breath away - the chain of volcanoes in between the beautiful beasts of Rwanda the Mountain Gorillas come from to the waterfalls of the wonderful Gicice river. As if that is not enough, combined with the valley full of white sands, fog covering hills and good weather makes Shyira truly unique and one of a kind. It is often debated between our families and guests which of the three is more beautiful between Shyira, Kilimbi and Gisheke. Let’s just say it is a very close battle!"