Shyira Natural Typica

Muraho Trading Co.

This is our sixth year working with renowned Rwandan producers Muraho Trading Co. The coffees that they produce are quite simply some of the best Rwandan lots we have tasted at La Cabra, and Gaudam and Carthick Anbalagan, the brothers that run the project, are among the most innovative producers in the country.

The Shyira Coffee Washing Station (CWS) is the highest altitude of the Muraho stations, located in the northern Nyabihu district. Shyira’s remote location also means it is the smallest station; a big driver in the decision to build here was the greater impact that Muraho could have on the very rural population.

Typica

These conditions gave rise to the idea of testing different varietals here, a study in the effect of Rwandan terroir on well-known and characterful varietals from elsewhere in the coffee belt. These rare varietals were introduced to the Shyira nursery in 2018, and seedlings were taken to a small model plot nearby shortly afterward. This means the team at Shyira have full control over the fertilisation, pruning, harvest and processing of the cherished fruit. This is only the third exportable harvest from this plot, and the first time any of the coffee has been processed as a natural.

This natural lot reflects the sweet and aromatic character of the Typica varietal, with a deep caramel sweetness, blackberry jam, and stewed apple.