ESPRESSO OF THE MONTH: COFFEE PLANT - Uganda Bugoye Fully Washed Espresso 250 g

Whole-bean specialty coffee from Uganda, roasted in Poland by COFFEE PLANT. Dark roast, perfect for espresso, coffee machines, and moka pots. You can expect hints of caramel, peach, lemon and black tea.

Country: Uganda

Region: Kasese District

Farm: Bugoye Washing Station

Producent: Kyagalanyi Coffee    

Varietal: SL14, SL28

Processing: Fully Washed

Altitude: 1700-2200 m a.s.l.

ABOUT THE REGION AND THE FARM

The magnificent Rwenzori Mountains, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," stretch for over 120 km across western Uganda. High altitude, fertile volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and appropriate temperatures create ideal conditions for growing high-quality coffee, while rivers flowing from the snow-capped peaks effectively irrigate the surrounding areas.

Farmers delivering coffee cherries to the Bugoye washing station cultivate coffee trees on very small farms (approx. 2 acres), working by hand, often with the help of their entire families. This is because coffee serves as their primary source of income. Although the region is mainly famous for natural process coffees, washed coffees are also produced here—and that is exactly what this coffee is.

Due to difficult access, many farms can only be reached on foot. To facilitate sales, 18 collection points were established, from which the coffee is transported for further processing. The mission of the Bugoye station is sustainable development, supported by professional agronomists working directly with local farmers.

ABOUT THE PROCESSING

The coffee cherries delivered to Bugoye are grown and harvested at altitudes between 1,700 and 2,200 meters above sea level. In addition to washed coffees, the station itself produces classic naturals, honey-processed coffees, and has also begun conducting experiments with fermentation. After the processing phase, the coffees were exported by Kyagalanyi Coffee, which is the first company in Uganda to receive a coffee export license.

The washed process at Bugoye begins by placing the harvested cherries into large fermentation tanks filled with water. Anything that floats to the surface is then removed—damaged cherries, underripe ones, and all foreign objects like leaves or sticks. Next, the coffee is passed through a depulper and moves to further water tanks, where it is "washed" and ferments for 24 hours. Finally, the beans in parchment are dried, hulled, and packed into GrainPro bags.

ROASTER'S OPINION

Uganda is another African country where coffee production methods are changing dynamically. This momentum also greatly affects the quality of the beans sourced from there. For years, coffees from Uganda were primarily associated with low-quality Robusta. While high-quality microlots did appear, they were rare exceptions.

The current situation in the green coffee market and the work of importers and exporters have ensured that the quality of Ugandan coffee improves year after year, with more high-quality coffee entering the market. We observe an improvement in bean quality annually, even as a result of minor adjustments to production processes.

This washed lot from the Bugoye station is particularly interesting because it is very complex and somewhat unusual for washed beans from Uganda. The coffee has a light, tea-like body, reminiscent of those well-known from Ethiopia. The acidity is medium, citric, and delicately sparkling. The whole profile is complemented by a caramel-peach sweetness that is noticeable in the long aftertaste. This is the case for espresso, but after adding milk, the coffee changes dramatically. Although it remains light and tea-like, such as washed Ethiopias, the caramel-peach sweetness begins to stand out, creating a delicious, sweet milk coffee.

RECIPE

Use 18 grams of beans to brew 40 grams of espresso. Grind the coffee finely to aim for an extraction time of approximately 25 seconds. If you want to slightly suppress the acidity and boost the sweetness, grind a bit coarser to extend the extraction by a few seconds.

COFFEE OF THE MONTH

Every month we pick two coffee specials – one for the espresso lovers, and the other for the pour-over sippers. Working directly with the roasteries, we deliver freshly roasted, unique coffee beans – always of the highest quality, at the lowest price you can get. What you get is also a thorough review, description, origin, and brewing guide.

The aim of the project is to get you acquainted with speciality coffees and various flavours they offer. Check out the coffees of this month!