The Kilimbi washing station is located in Nymasheke, in the western providence of Rwanda, at an altitude of 1650 – 1850 MASL. Founded in 2016, it was one of the first washing stations in Rwanda’s history to produce and export Natural and Honey processed coffee legally. Over the years, Kilimbi became an award-winning station. In 2020, it was the only one that produced Honeys. Around about 750 smallholder farmers are working together with the washing station, under the Managing Director Joseph Ntarindwa. The production is approximately 300-350 tons of cherries per year.
- Producers: Ashok Patre
- Region: Chikmagalur
- Type: 100% Arabica
- Roast Profile: Omni Roast
- Altitude: 1350 MASL
- Process: Carbonic Washed
- Varieties: Catuai
- Flavor Notes: Lavender aroma and sweet malic acidity with rounded buttery body. Notes of mandarin, peach and black currant leading to a grapy finish.
Our first Omni Roast in the showcase series is a resounding sensation from Ratnagiri Estate. ‘Candied Mandarin’ embodies the pinnacle of coffee craftsmanship, having undergone a highly controlled 90-hour extended carbonic maceration washed process. Cherries, meticulously picked at a brix of 23, were subjected to de-pulping before being placed in stainless steel fermenters. These vessels were purged with carbon dioxide gas, nurturing a 90-hour fermentation process, aimed at extracting the utmost complexity of flavors. After this rigorous fermentation, the produce was cleansed with clear water and steeped for a full 24 hours. A patient drying procedure on raised beds extended over 27 days rounded off the process.
The culmination of this precise process is a unique and intriguing cup. With a discernible lavender aroma and vibrant malic acidity, it expresses a rounded and luscious tactile quality. Notes of peach, black currant, and mandarin lead to a gratifying, grapy finish. Whether utilized for sweet and syrupy espresso shots, or savored in a meditative pourover, ‘Candied Mandarin’ delivers a silky-smooth coffee replete with a symphony of fruity nuances. This offering is yet another shiny gem in the Ratnagiri portfolio and brims with delight. Savor the experience!