420 Rwanda Simbi Washed

Flavor Notes

Cocoa, Dried orange, Dark cherry, Roasted almond, Molasses, Round

Beans

CWS: Simbi Washing Station
Area: Huye, Southern Province, Rwanda
Altitude: 1,800m
Varietal: Bourbon
Processing: Washed

Roast Level: 

Medium-dark roast

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＜Rwanda Simbi＞

This coffee comes from the Huye region in southern Rwanda, where coffee is widely cultivated on high plateaus ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. Rwanda is often called “Les Mille Collines”—the Land of a Thousand Hills—known for its lush greenery and beautiful rolling landscapes that stretch far into the distance.

Simbi Coffee Washing Station is a relatively young washing station that began operations in 2013. It was the first washing station established by Simbi Coffee Investment Company in the region. Its owner, Abdul, entered the coffee industry after being encouraged by his grandmother, who was a coffee farmer. The station was strategically built close to coffee-producing communities so that farmers would not need to transport their cherries long distances, allowing the unique characteristics of coffees from Huye and nearby Maraba to be preserved while supporting the growth of local coffee production.

Today, the station processes Bourbon varieties produced by a cooperative of approximately 250 members—60% of whom are women—from Simbi, Maraba, Sovu, and Kigoma, as well as coffees grown in nearby villages such as Buremera and Shanga in the Maraba sector. Coffees produced here have received recognition in the Cup of Excellence and continue to earn high praise around the world.

The distance between the farm and the processing station is more important than many people realize. Think of delicate fruits like strawberries—if too much time passes between harvest and delivery, the fruit can become damaged during transportation. Even when exceptional produce is grown, quality can decline due to factors after harvest. That is one of the challenges of agriculture. Abdul’s idea of bringing processing closer to production areas is a wonderful example of how thoughtful infrastructure can help preserve quality.

This coffee is also used in our Tokyo Blend, where it is typically roasted lightly. For this offering, however, we gave it a completely different expression with a deeper roast. The roasting profile is intentionally gentle, lasting around ten and a half minutes, allowing us to develop sweetness and depth while avoiding excessive bitterness and preserving a soft sense of fruit character.

The aroma rising from the server is reminiscent of brown sugar—warm, sweet, and comforting. On the palate, notes of cacao and roasted almonds gradually unfold, bringing the richness expected from a darker roast. Alongside these flavors, hints of dried orange and dark cherry emerge, adding layers of fruit complexity. A gentle brown sugar sweetness ties everything together, softening the bitterness and fruit notes into a harmonious and satisfying cup.

Pleasantly bittersweet and gently sweet.

This is a medium-dark roasted Rwanda that offers depth without heaviness.

Not flashy, but undeniably delicious.

A coffee with a soft, comforting character that you’ll naturally find yourself reaching for every day.