Rwanda Horizon Coffee – Rwandan Specialty Coffee

Discover the exquisite flavours of our Rwanda Horizon Coffee, a true gem among Rwandan specialty coffee. Sourced from the lush hillsides of Rwanda, this coffee offers a vibrant profile with bright citrus notes, smooth chocolate undertones, and a delicate floral aroma.

The Story Behind the Coffee

Our Rwanda Horizon Coffee is more than just a beverage; it represents hope and resilience. Sourced from smallholder farmers in conflict-affected regions, each purchase contributes to rebuilding communities and supporting sustainable farming practices. Meet the dedicated farmers who meticulously handpick each coffee cherry, ensuring only the finest beans make it to your cup.

Flavour Profile and Brewing Tips

• Taste Notes: Bright citrus, smooth chocolate, floral aroma
• Roast Level: Light/Medium
• Brewing Recommendations: Ideal for pour-over and French press methods to highlight its nuanced flavours

Impact and Sustainability

By choosing our Rwanda Horizon Coffee, you are not only indulging in a premium coffee experience but also making a positive impact. Your purchase supports fair trade practices, empowers local farmers, and contributes to community development projects.

Producer Story

Origins and History

Not far from sister stations Bwenda and Gitega Hills is the Horizon station, located in the Kigoma sector. Built in 2006, the station's production was halted when the original owner was jailed for his involvement in the Rwandan genocide. The station lay dormant until RTC re-established production in partnership with its new owner, Fidel.

Fidel, not originally from the area, faced initial hostility from the local community. The name "Horizon – Supreme Coffee" was chosen to tease the locals, referencing the Horizon group owned by Rwanda’s defence ministry. Fortunately, the name was accepted playfully, and the station has since become a positive force in the community, providing employment for 94 people, 70% of whom are women.

Beautiful Location

Horizon is one of the most beautiful sites in the Southern Province, located in a small 3-hectare area surrounded by steep slopes. Pineapples grow on the verges, and avocado trees line the path to the site, which sits at 1680 meters. Surrounding farms are situated closer to 2000 meters, contributing to the station's high-quality coffee production.

Farmer Contributions and Processing

1200 farmers contribute cherry to the station, with farms averaging 7000 trees each. Some farms have as few as 100 trees, mixed with other crops. In 2019, the station processed 450 tons of cherry, and production is estimated to reach 1000 tons in 2022. Farmers receive organic fertilizer made from recycled cherry pulp, fermented with lime and molasses to create effective microorganisms (EM).

In Rwanda, specialty coffee is primarily produced by smallholder farmers and their families. Many do not have the means to process coffee themselves, so large washing stations like Horizon play a crucial role in the production process.

High-Quality Production

Horizon is located in the southern part of Rwanda, in the Duye District of the Kigoma Sector. The combination of high altitude and good rainfall allows coffee trees to flourish, producing some of the country's highest quality coffees. Fidel Ndagijima, who purchased the station in 2018, upgraded the equipment and implemented protocols to ensure the production of high-quality coffees.

Agribusiness Training Program

All 1200 farmers working with Horizon are members of the Agribusiness Training Program (ATP) by Rwanda Trading Company (RTC). With ATP’s focus on producing specialty coffees, all member farmers have seen increases in yield quality, leading to higher household incomes.

The 'Geeky' Stuff

• Cup Score: 85
• Cup Profile: Orange blossom, red plum, tamarind, and nutmeg
• Altitude: 1650 meters
• Process: Washed
• Location: Kigoma sector, Huye Mountain area
• Varietal: Red Bourbon

Detailed Flavour Notes

Our Rwanda Horizon Coffee is a sensory delight with its unique flavour profile. The bright citrus notes provide a refreshing burst of acidity, balanced by the smoothness of chocolate undertones. As you sip, the delicate floral aroma enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate complex and well-rounded flavours.

Brewing Recommendations

To fully appreciate the nuanced flavours of Rwanda Horizon Coffee, we recommend the following brewing methods:

• Pour-Over: This method allows for precise control over water temperature and brewing time, ensuring that the coffee's delicate flavours are fully extracted.
• French Press: The immersion brewing process of the French press highlights the coffee's rich and smooth texture, bringing out its chocolate and floral notes.

Supporting Sustainability and Fair Trade

At Firebird Coffee Company, we are committed to supporting sustainable and fair trade practices. By choosing our Rwanda Horizon Coffee, you are making a positive impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities. Your purchase helps provide fair wages, improve living conditions, and support community development projects.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Our customers love Rwanda Horizon Coffee for its unique flavour profile and positive impact. Here are some of their testimonials:

• "This is the best coffee I've ever had. I've been a coffee drinker for years but always had to add milk and sugar. Firebird has turned me into a black coffee drinker - it is such good quality. All this aside from supporting people that really need it."
• "I tried the new Rwanda Horizon and the Yemeni Harazi Wadi Alma. Without a doubt, the best tasting specialty coffee I have ever tried. The flavours are like nothing I’ve ever tasted before and I feel incredible drinking Firebird as I know I’m helping to change lives by doing it!"
• "Really lovely tasting coffee from a fab ethical brand. It made a gorgeous oat flat white. It’s a really gentle, non-acidic coffee with great flavour."

Join Us in Making a Difference

Experience the rich flavours and positive impact of Rwanda Horizon Coffee today. By choosing our coffee, you are not only indulging in a premium product but also supporting a brighter future for Rwandan farmers and their communities.

The Production Process in Detail

Horizon Coffee's journey from farm to cup involves meticulous care at every stage. The cherries are carefully handpicked by the farmers, ensuring that only the ripest and highest quality cherries are selected. Once picked, the cherries are brought to the washing station where they undergo a thorough washing process to remove any impurities.

The washed cherries are then fermented to enhance their flavour profiles. This fermentation process is closely monitored to ensure that the beans develop the desired taste characteristics. After fermentation, the beans are dried on raised beds under the Rwandan sun, allowing them to slowly reach the perfect moisture content.

Commitment to Quality and Excellence

At Firebird Coffee Company, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality. Each batch of Rwanda Horizon Coffee is roasted to perfection by our expert roasters who carefully control the temperature and duration to bring out the coffee's unique flavours. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every cup of Rwanda Horizon Coffee delivers a consistently exceptional experience.

The Impact of Your Purchase

Your purchase of Rwanda Horizon Coffee goes beyond enjoying a premium beverage. It represents a commitment to supporting ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The farmers who contribute to Horizon Coffee receive fair compensation, which helps improve their livelihoods and supports the well-being of their families.

By investing in Rwanda Horizon Coffee, you are contributing to the development of local communities. The income generated from coffee sales helps fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.

Coffee Pairing Suggestions

To enhance your coffee experience, consider pairing Rwanda Horizon Coffee with complementary flavours. The bright citrus notes and smooth chocolate undertones pair wonderfully with:

• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate accentuates the coffee's sweetness.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges and lemons enhance the coffee's natural acidity.
• Nutty Pastries: Almond croissants or hazelnut biscotti bring out the nutmeg and spice notes.

Coffee Education and Appreciation

At Firebird Coffee Company, we believe that coffee education is key to appreciating the complexities of specialty coffee. We offer workshops and tasting sessions where you can learn about the different brewing methods, flavour profiles, and the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Join us to deepen your understanding and love for high-quality coffee.

The Future of Specialty Coffee

The specialty coffee industry is constantly evolving, and at Firebird Coffee Company, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. We continuously explore new sourcing opportunities, sustainable practices, and advanced roasting techniques to bring you the best coffee possible.

By choosing Rwanda Horizon Coffee, you are supporting a future where quality, sustainability, and ethical practices are at the heart of the coffee industry. Join us on this journey and be part of a community that values excellence in every cup.