Burundi Heart of Songa

The Soul of the Bururi Highlands

Experience the vibrant complexity of Burundi with the Heart of Songa. Grown high in the mist-covered hills of the Bururi province, this washed Red Bourbon is more than just a morning ritual. It is a testament to the "Heart of Songa" itself: a community of 150 farming families dedicated to the craft of exceptional coffee.

With a Cupping Score of 86/100, this lot represents the "quality over quantity" philosophy that has made Burundi a small but mighty force in the specialty coffee world.

TASTING NOTES & CUPPING PROFILE

The Heart of Songa is a study in balance. It begins with an unexpected fragrance of cedar and warm, roasted nuts. However, the first sip reveals a bright, sparkling transformation:

Aromas: Earthy cedar, toasted almond, and roasted nuts.
Flavours: A tropical explosion of grapefruit and mandarin, rounded out by a fine, clean note of rich chocolate.
Acidity: Sparkling and citrus-forward, reminiscent of fresh lemon zest.
Body: A smooth, medium mouthfeel that carries the sweetness beautifully.
Aftertaste: A lingering, sweet finish of ripe cherry and succulent peach.
Cupping Score: 86/100.

THE STORY: KAWAZAMURABWE

The "Heart" of this coffee is found in Kawazamurabwe, a community organization whose name translates to "coffee raises up farmers." In the rugged highlands of Burundi, transport is a significant challenge. To overcome this, the collective organizes the pickup of cherries from each individual farm and delivers them to a central mill. Here, the 150 member families collaborate, sharing generations of knowledge, labor, and skill to sort, wash, and dry the beans to perfection. By purchasing this coffee, you are directly supporting a system designed to improve the livelihoods of these farming families.

COFFEE ORIGIN & SPECIFICATION

Coffee first arrived in Burundi under Belgian occupation, but since the 1960s, the industry has evolved into a pillar of national identity. Today, over 650,000 families find their livelihood in coffee, creating community associations like Kawazamurabwe to thrive despite regional challenges.

Country: Burundi
Province: Bururi
Town: Songa
Varietals: Red Bourbon
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1,500 – 1,800m above sea level.

BREW GUIDE: THE BURUNDI STYLE

For an authentic experience, try the Burundi Style Brew. This traditional method requires no electricity (just a mortar and pestle, hot water, and a bit of patience). It is perfect for slow mornings or off-grid adventures.

1. The Grind: Measure one tablespoon of beans per cup. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the beans until they are just large enough to be caught by a fine mesh strainer.

2. The Prep: Rinse your cups and serving jug with hot water to maintain temperature.

3. The Bloom: Place your grounds in a heat-proof jug. Add just enough hot water (93°C or off-boil for 45 seconds) to cover them. Let it "bloom" for 30 seconds to release gases and oils.

4. The Steep: Add the remaining water (approximately 250ml per cup). Stir thoroughly and let steep for 3 minutes as the grounds settle.

5. The Pour: Gently pour the brewed coffee through a fine mesh strainer into your serving jug.

Enjoy the sparkling sweetness of the Heart of Songa, brewed the way it was meant to be.