BURUNDI | Incuti R | Bourbon | Washed

Burundi might be one of Africa’s smallest coffee-producing countries, but its combination of high elevations, volcanic soils, warm days, and cool nights creates ideal conditions for producing seriously delicious coffee. Most coffee is grown by smallholder farmers, with Bourbon varieties dominating production. Incuti comes from Kayanza , one of Burundi’s most celebrated coffee regions. Grown around 1,900 masl near a high-altitude rainforest, coffee trees share the landscape with tea, bananas, and cassava. The name Incuti means “friend” in Kirundi, which feels particularly appropriate given how this relationship began. The leader of the producer group, a previous Cup of Excellence winner, approached JNP founder Jeanine Niyonzima- Aroian after hearing about the company’s work with farmers and its Dushime program. Founded by Jeanine in 2012, JNP works directly with Burundian producers, sharing premiums earned through specialty coffee while supporting financial literacy, education, and greater economic opportunities for women. This lot is made up of local Bourbon cultivars and is fully washed before being sun-dried. It’s classic high-elevation Kayanza : bright, delicate, and tea-like, with plenty of fruit and sparkling citrus acidity.