Rwanda Gitwe Panda Lot 1159

Origin: Rwanda (Western Province, Nyamasheke)

Washing Station: Gitwe

Lot: 1159

Variety: Red Bourbon

Process: Natural (sun-dried whole cherry)

Elevation: ~1,700–2,000 masl
Taste Note: Creamy baked apple pie, cinnamon, rambutan, melon, cinnamon roll, black tea

☕ Roaster’s Note

Rwanda Gitwe Panda – Lot 1159 (Natural Red Bourbon)

This natural Rwanda opens with the comforting sweetness of creamy baked apple pie, layered with gentle cinnamon and the warm pastry character of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. As the cup develops, soft rambutan and melon bring a delicate fruit sweetness, while the remarkably low acidity keeps everything smooth and rounded. The creamy body carries the sweetness beautifully, creating a comforting, dessert-like cup with a clean, lingering finish.

🌿 About the Bean

Gitwe sits in Nyamasheke, a region known for its high elevation and proximity to Lake Kivu, which creates a cool microclimate ideal for slow cherry maturation.

Lot 1159 is produced from Red Bourbon trees, a variety that thrives in Rwanda’s volcanic soils. The natural process here means cherries are dried intact on raised beds, allowing sugars and fruit compounds to fully develop before milling.

Rwanda isn’t traditionally famous for naturals (it built its reputation on ultra-clean washed coffees), but in recent years, producers like Gitwe have been experimenting more. The result is coffees like this—still structured and elegant, but with a playful, fruit-driven twist that stands out on a menu.