This washed coffee originates from smallholder producers in Gakenke District, Rwanda at 1900-2100 meters altitude. The Red Bourbon variety was processed at the Muzo washing station owned by Emmanuel Busatira of Baho Coffee. The lot undergoes rigorous sorting with multiple rounds of floating cherry removal, density sorting, and final soaking for uniform drying. Flavor profile includes tangerine, hibiscus, and oolong tea notes.
Bow Smith, Holden Curran, and Jessi Lee Cord launched Rowan Coffee in October 2020 as a mobile espresso operation in Asheville, North Carolina, growing quickly into a permanent home. Bow brings nearly a decade of barista, roasting, and management experience, and began roasting in house in January 2023 on a 15 kilo Mill City Roasters machine. Rowan centers mainly on washed process coffees, prizing clarity and complexity, with green beans sourced from specialty importers including Semilla, Osito, Red Fox Coffee Merchants, and The Coffee Quest. Everything is roasted to order on Tuesdays and shipped the following day. The approach is deliberate and seasonal, letting each coffee speak to where and how it was grown.
