Burundi Kayanza Matango

The region of Kayanza is suited to grow some of the best coffee in Burundi.  It is surrounded by the Ruvubu National Forest, has freshwater lakes, and is close enough to the capital city to have access to infrastructure and technological advances. 

This is a washed process coffee, processed at the Bwayi mill and sourced by Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, a Burundi native who has been dynamic in getting Burundi coffee to the US market and in helping Burundi farmers succeed and thrive. 

A program she has implemented gives farmers payment for their coffee, but then a second bonus payment late in the year after the coffee has been sold to a roaster. This second payment is then reinvested into the producers' communities, providing for items such as school fees and supplies, as well as farm and milling upgrades. This financial incentives encourages the producers to focus on quality control, and to collaborate as one, as a community. The the past decade, she has been able to pay over half a million dollars in bonus payments, benefiting producers from Matango and elsewhere, and enhancing the overall quality of Burundi's coffee production.

If we roast it just slightly shy of the 2nd cracks we get a most intriguing flavor profile of lemon meringue and sweet potato with a creamy mouthfeel.  But I also like it 20 seconds into rolling 2nd cracks where I get more of a carrot cake flavor with some chocolate and metallic flavors. 

US Arrival: March 2025