WHY WE LOVE IT: This coffee's subtle spices and lightly fruited sweetness create a flavor experience that stands out while being easy to love. 

REGION: South Kivu

ALTITUDE: 1,480 - 2,000m

PROCESSING: Washed

VARIETY: Bourbon

This washed coffee offers a distinct and memorable flavor experience. Clove-like spices create a complex, warming foundation, balanced by a delicate sweetness and juiciness reminiscent of honeydew melon. A subtle hint of root beer candy adds depth and intrigue. Coffees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo remain rare in the specialty world, making this release from Muungano a special opportunity to explore its unique terroir and add something unexpected to your coffee routine.

DISCOVER MORE

DR Congo Muungano has earned its place among our most anticipated, long-standing offerings, alongside favorites like Mexico Sicobi, Rwanda Sholi, and Colombia Monserrate. With notes of spiced tea, citrus, and gentle sweetness, this coffee has a way of transporting you. It's also an annual reminder of why relationships and continuity are some of the most meaningful parts of coffee.

Founded in 2009, the Muungano Cooperative (whose name means “togetherness” in Swahili) brings together roughly 4,400 smallholder farmers, nearly half of whom are women. Located along the western shore of Lake Kivu, south of Goma, the cooperative is deeply committed to gender equity, cross-ethnic collaboration, and continuous improvement in quality. Over the years, Muungano has invested in new washing stations, a cupping lab, and on-site roasting and sensory training, all while continuing to farm the region’s historic Bourbon trees.

Like its neighbors in the Lake Kivu region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo produces coffees known for their depth and complexity—often marked by spice, sweetness, and structure. This marks a decade of our partnering with Muungano, and this season we chose went back to their washed lot for its warming spice and light melon notes.