Summer has slipped away. Swiftly the air is cool, the moon is gold, smoke drifts from the east. The sky is lathered and blurred by clouds, yellow hints in the trees, their leaves shivering, lingering, unsettled on whether or not they’d like to fall. Fruit swells on mossy branches, swaying in the wind. Summer has slipped away, dripped away like coffee spilling off the sides of a mug, and now you’re blinking at the rings left on the table.
In this new month that spells endings and beginnings, you might fill your mug back up with our featured Coffee of the Month for our club members: Rwanda. September’s offering grows in the volcanic mountains of the northern Gakenke District by female co-op Abakundakawa - Hingakawa Women’s Coffee.
Meaning “Those Who Love Coffee”, Abakundakawa is a democratically-elected cooperative made up of more than two thousand female growers. The co-op is integral to the region’s economy as it aims to fight poverty by building infrastructure and providing resources like fresh water. Its recognition of Rwanda’s first Women’s Only Farmer Association and unity of female coffee growers also prove its power in overcoming patriarchal leadership.
Growers handpick their coffee cherries before the fruit is removed, whereafter the beans are washed and dried in sunlight. The resulting beans are balanced, bright, and tangy, a match for those already missing summer.
As the dandelions turn to ghosts and the rain boots come out, a cup of September’s Rwanda
might be just the thing to warm your chilly hands beneath gloomy skies. As always, Coffee of
the Month Club members get first dibs on Rwanda at a lower price, and access to additional
offerings. Though Rwanda will be available as a direct variety for non-members in October at a higher price, don’t expect it to stay in stock for long. Coffee of the Month Club subscriptions go for 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or until canceled.
Grower: Abakundakawa - Hingakawa Women’s Coffee
Variety: Bourbon
Region: Gakenke District, Rushashi
Altitude: 1700-1900 masl
Soil: Volcanic
Process: Washed
Tasting notes: Light Roast brings out notes of Raisin, Brown Sugar and Cherry
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