Santa Claude Coffee

The Mahembe washing station is a family-run wet mill, owned by Justin Musabyimana. Justin himself has an 8 hectare farm, and additionally buys cherries from neighbouring smallholders to process here. His expertise and knowledge is revered, and his transparent value chain and morals have made him an integral part of the community. Once coffee cherries are delivered to Mahembe, they are meticulously sorted and pulped. The high altitudes and cooler temperatures mean that fermentation can be carefully controlled, and the coffee is dry fermented for 10-12 hours before being further graded, washed and soaked. It is then sorted by hand one final time for any remaining defects. This obsession with quality is a cornerstone of Justin’s operation, and Mahembe is renowned for delivering exceptional coffee time and time again. Full of intense fruit and festive spice, this washed Rwandan was a standout on the cupping table.