Rwanda Nyamasheke Gitwe

Gitwe is a classic Rwanda cup with sweetness that holds up to a wide range of roasts, light and dark. Caramel and butterscotch sweetness linger in the dry fragrance, and are accented by baking spice, and chocolate malted grains. Adding hot water frames a saturated sweet aroma of cinnamon laced caramels, malt syrup, and a hint of dried fruit. Our lightest City roast was pulled at just the tail end of 1st snaps, and still had a mottled appearance. The cup was quite vibrant at that level, tangy lemon-like vibrance, with a grabby aspect, like citrus peel. The sweetness hinted at simple syrup made with brown sugar, with a fragrant note of honey graham cracker in the aftertaste. As it cooled, the cup aroma showed a glimpse of herbaceous lemongrass tea in the nose that brought a freshness to the profile. Our darkest roast was Full City level (34F past start of 1C with no 2nd snaps) and pulled out a syrupy chocolate note, and complex bittering spice notes, with dense mouthfeel that lends to a very long finish. Darker roasts temper the vivid brightness a bit too, if you're looking for a rounder cup profile, but don't flatten it out altogether...that's a good thing if you ask me! Excellent brewed at both ends of our recommended roast range.