In the Grinder - Our Daily Coffee Weblog

What a “Dry Run!”

So what’s up with the Cup of Excellence only being in Central and South America? We all know that there are many excellent coffees from there, but isn’t the Cup of Excellence supposed to be seeking out that undiscovered gem, along side with the established solid year in and year out producers?

What about Africa? Birthplace of coffee, varietals that rock, and altitude to boot!-Why is the Cup of Excellence not there?

Well, this is hopefully about to all change!

Rwanda held its very first Golden Cup cupping competition using the protocols of the Cup of Excellence. The results, amazing! The top five coffees all scored over 90 points from the international jury. This was the “dry run” for next year’s highly anticipated full blown Cup of Excellence and all seemingly went well, including an open outcry auction where we scooped up a few lots and are flying all the lots that are coming into the States into our warehouse.

We drove up to Butare Rwanda from Burundi where we had been cupping coffees at OCIBU the day before to come to the contest. It was the beginning of week two of our African trip, and I hate to sound corny, but I just love driving across borders versus flying into the airport, it feels like more authentic travel, for whatever reason. Well this trip was most certainly worth it. The deep cherry tones and punchy acidity perfectly complement a very nice floral aspect of these very high grown bourbons. Many of the coffees had a lavender, or sage like characteristic too. Overall, knock out coffees!

-Jason