Burundi — Remera Natural

This coffee marks another year of sourcing from Burundi through our long-standing partnership with Jake Smith and Homage Coffee Source. Now in our fourth year working together, these relationships continue to provide access to direct-trade coffees that support producers well above industry standards while consistently delivering exceptional quality.

Remera Natural is processed at Umuco Station, located in Kayanza Province, a central hub for smallholder producers in northern Burundi. The station is owned by Burundi Seeds Specialty (BSS) and operated by Juste Picasso Nduwayo, Zephyrin Banzubaze, and Jeremi Nakimuhana, with day-to-day management by Noel Twagirayezu. Each season, approximately 900 farmers deliver their coffee to Umuco for processing.

The coffee itself comes from Remera Hill, situated in the Muruta Commune near the edge of Kibira National Forest, rising to elevations approaching 2,200 meters. The hill takes its name from the Kirundi word “Umuremera,” referring to the African plum tree (Prunus Africana) — a medicinal tree abundant in the area and deeply tied to local tradition. Remera Hill is also notable for its cultural significance, home to royal tombs of former Burundian kings and neighboring several other historic coffee-producing hills.

This lot is composed of Red Bourbon, a variety prized in Burundi for its vigor, productivity, and cup quality. Processed as a natural, the coffee develops extended sweetness and layered fruit character while retaining balance and structure.

Burundian naturals have become some of the most expressive coffees we source, and Remera continues that tradition — deep, syrupy, and vibrant, with remarkable clarity for a natural process.

In the Cup

Raspberry

A bright, sweet berry note leads the cup, offering both ripeness and gentle tartness. This balance gives the coffee lift while maintaining richness.

Lime

A crisp citrus note cuts through the deeper fruit tones, adding freshness and energy. The lime-like acidity sharpens the profile without overpowering it.

Cola

The finish is syrupy and effervescent, with classic cola sweetness and body. This note ties the cup together, creating a lingering, satisfying depth that invites another sip.

Remera Natural is a bold yet composed expression of Burundi — layered, sweet, and deeply engaging.

Profile

• Roast: Light

• Region: Kayanza Province, Burundi

• Origin: Remera Hill

• Process: Natural

• Elevation: 1,800–2,000m

• Variety: Red Bourbon

• Cup: Raspberry, Lime, Cola