Our First Natural from Rwanda: Horizon Site
Rwandan coffees are known for their bright, syrupy profiles, with the very best offerings often laced with an array of citrus, berry, and herbal notes that linger through the finish, accompanied by honey or molasses-like undertones. This brilliant flavor profile has been refined by producers focusing on washed processing, which is the country's primary processing method. However, in recent years, producers have successfully begun experimenting with natural processing, and we’re thrilled to feature this natural coffee from the Horizon Supreme washing station!
Located in the Southern Province, just 20 minutes from Huye, the central city in the area, the Horizon Supreme washing station (or Horizon Site, for short) spans 3 hectares and sits nestled in a valley surrounded by steep slopes. Pineapple plants grow along the edges, and avocado trees line the path leading down to the site. The mill itself is situated at 1680 meters, while the surrounding farms are even higher, close to 2000 meters. The vast majority of coffee farmers in Rwanda are smallholder producers: the average farmer has about 7,000 trees, though some have as few as 100 coffee trees, alongside other crops. As such, farmers typically do not process their own coffee. Instead, they sell their cherries to centralized washing stations that specialize in processing. Twelve hundred farmers contribute their cherries to the Horizon Site.
horizon site sits in a valley and is surrounded by steep slopes. Here, you can see both washed and natural coffees dryinn on rows of raised beds.
The Horizon wet mill was built in 2006 but became dormant for many years after the original owner struggled to manage its operations. In 2018, Fidele Ndagijimana, a mill manager from the Western Province, purchased the Horizon Site. Initially, locals were cautious and wary of Fidele because he was an outsider. However, over time, Fidele gained the community's trust by transforming the Horizon Site into a successful washing station. Drawing on his experience in mill management, he knew exactly what the mill needed. Fidele upgraded the machinery and implemented strict protocols, enabling the mill to produce high-quality coffees. Under Fidele’s leadership, the Horizon Site has become a positive addition to the community. It now employs over ninety people, four of whom are full-time, and seventy percent of the staff are women.
farmers in the surrounding area deliver cherries to horizon. the cherries are sorted before being placed on raised drying beds.
In the summer of 2022, we offered a washed coffee from Horizon that had a crisp, clean profile, reminiscent of green grapes, molasses, and candied lemon. Its naturally processed counterpart is sweet and tangy, with notes of strawberry, limeade, and golden raisin. On some occasions, we’ve also detected subtle hints of Concord grape and orange blossom honey. This coffee is a fun and versatile option that shines as a pour-over when served black. However, if you spot it available as an espresso at one of our cafes, don’t miss out: it’s excellent on its own and also delicious in a cappuccino!
