BURUNDI Shikankoni LAVE

🌿 A vibrant washed micro-lot from Burundi – Shikankoni by Cafex

Washing station: Cafex
Producers: Smallholders from the Shikankoni hill
Region: Kayanza, Burundi
Altitude: 1450 – 1750 m
Species: Arabica
Variety: Bourbon Mayaguez 139
Harvest: April to July
Picking method: Hand-picked
Process: Fully washed
Drying: Raised beds (20 days)

About this coffee

Shikankoni marks a new chapter in our Burundian offering. This washed lot comes from smallholders cultivating the hills surrounding Cafex washing station, in the Kayanza province. Rich soils, high altitude and a favourable microclimate make this region ideal for producing high-quality Bourbon.

Founded in 2006 by a Belgian-Burundian couple, Cafex is more than just a washing station—it’s a long-term agricultural and social project. Since its creation, Cafex has championed sustainable farming practices and community development. Today, a local committee of 200 experienced producers runs the station with a focus on equity, precision and environmental respect.

Each day, ripe cherries are hand-picked and floated to sort by density. They are then pulped, fermented for 12 to 18 hours, thoroughly washed, and sun-dried on raised beds for around 20 days. Final hulling is handled at Ikawa Nziza, a high-altitude dry mill known for its meticulous processing and quality preservation.

In the cup, Shikankoni offers a beautiful balance between liveliness and roundness. Delicate green notes and lemon brightness meet a soft honey sweetness and biscuit finish.

A traceable, fresh and luminous coffee – just like the Cafex initiative behind it.