Rwanda Bean Company
Virunga Espresso
Roaster Location: 
Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine
4.33(3)
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Roast Level: Medium Dark
Bean Source Country:
Rwanda
Varietal: Bourbon
Grade A Bourbon Arabica
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Reviews(3)
4.33(3)
3
ratings
Ratings here are based on aggregated user reviews of individual roasts
from Rwanda Bean Company.
5 star
0%
4 star
100%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
Latest Reviews and Tasting Notes
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
Virunga Espresso is a carefully crafted single-origin espresso from Rwanda Bean, showcasing its versatility by excelling in various coffee preparations. From milk drinks like cortados and lattes to the summertime favorite, iced Americanos, this coffee leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, it proves to be an excellent choice for sipping as a standalone espresso. Rwanda Bean is a very socially conscious company, donating some of its profits back to projects in Rwanda as well.
It shines as a standalone sipping espresso with its exceptional smoothness and well-developed flavors. The medium crema that crowns the espresso adds visual appeal, while the intricate interplay of chocolate, cocoa, caramel, and a touch of acidity provides a captivating tasting experience. The crema is medium.
The smoothness of Virunga Espresso sets it apart. Imbued with delightful chocolate, cocoa, and caramel notes, each sip unveils a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The balanced acidity, reminiscent of blueberries and blackberries, adds a nuanced dimension to the overall taste, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable cup.
One of the standout features of Virunga Espresso is its compatibility with milk-based drinks. The flavors harmonize perfectly when paired with steamed milk. Whether it's the velvety texture of a cortado or the creamy indulgence of a latte, this blend elevates these beverages to new heights, pleasing even the most discerning palates.
As it's June here, the need for iced Americanos becomes irresistible. Luckily, Virunga Espresso meets the challenge, maintaining its integrity even when served over ice. The robust flavors and balanced acidity remain intact, ensuring a satisfying and invigorating iced coffee experience.Cupping Method:Multiple preparations using my A53 Spaziale espresso machine. Purchased from Whole Foods for around $18.99 for a 12 oz bag.
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Emily Schadler93 roasts rated, avg score of 4.24
4.50 - Average
5.00 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I saw in another review that this espresso pairs well with milk, so I made a cortado out of it to have alongside a cinnamon roll, and that was exactly the right way to start my day. The drink was full and rich and nicely complex through each sip. The finish was clean. Id make this again.Cupping Method:Cortado
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Scott Greenaway175 roasts rated, avg score of 4.27
4.00 - Average
3.50 - Aroma
4.00 - Finish
4.00 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
This roast had a nice balance and easy, clean finish. The flavor profile was more of a light-medium, which I appreciated as I prefer light to dark roast. Each sip was a pleasure, lightly sweet, and smooth.
More Details
Roast Level:
Medium Dark
Medium-dark or Vienna roast coffee features a deeper, richer flavor profile due to its longer roasting time. When selecting a Vienna roast, look for a lower acidity, bolder body, and flavors with dark chocolate, caramel, toasted nut notes, and mild smokiness.
Bean Source Country:
Rwanda
Rwandan coffee is known for its bright, fruity, and tea-like characteristics, attributable to its high elevations, fertile volcanic soil, and temperate climate. The Bourbon variety, commonly grown in Rwanda, lends itself to a delicate and nuanced flavor profile, often exhibiting notes of red fruit, citrus, and floral undertones. As the country has invested in improving coffee production and processing techniques, Rwandan coffee has emerged as a top contender in the specialty coffee market, earning recognition for its vibrant and complex flavors.
Rwandan coffee is renowned for its unique and vibrant flavor profile. It is characterized by a bright acidity and complex fruit tones, often featuring notes of berry, citrus, and sometimes hints of chocolate. Grown in the rich volcanic soil found throughout the hilly regions of the country, such as along the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwandan coffee benefits from an ideal combination of high altitude, regular rainfall, and ample sunshine. This environment facilitates the cultivation of predominantly Bourbon varieties of Arabica beans, typically handpicked with great care by small-scale farmers. The meticulous processing methods, including washing and sun-drying, contribute to the coffee's clean taste and high quality, making Rwandan coffee increasingly highly prized internationally.
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