The Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) has announced that this year twice as many coffees were awarded as Cup of Excellence winners when compared to last year’s cupping in Burundi, Southeast Africa. A national jury and the Cup of Excellence International Jury tasted each Burundi coffee a minimum of five different times during the cupping process. The winning lots were coffees that each juror scored 85 points or above in each cupping. “It doesn’t take long to realise that this country is ready to be recognised for its unique culture, agile drummers, and magnificent scenery,” said ACE. “But most of all, it is ready to be recognised for the energy in its coffee industry and incredible – but mostly unknown coffees.”
ACE said its jury found on the cupping table, big, round bodied coffees that were well-structured and exhibited flavours of raspberry, honey and stone fruits, including peach, apricot and even plum.
This year there were 27 coffees awarded as Cup of Excellence winners, doubling the number of winners from last year. “This speaks volumes about quality improvement, separation and focus by the washing stations, and almost non-existent potato defect which last year kept the quality from shining through,” said ACE. “These are not coffees you will find every day and we are proud to be able to bring them to the marketplace as award winners. If you have ever been curious about this rising East African coffee nation, now is the time to jump onboard.” The public will have the opportunity to purchase the winning coffees in a live online auction on 8 October.