Ninga GIKU HILL

About This Coffee

Giku’s remote location on the fringes of the Kibira Forest makes it one of the most isolated coffee-producing regions we work with. Despite the challenges, this unique environment yields truly exceptional coffee. In the cup we find a structured profile of stewed fruit, black tea, and warm baking spices. Giku Hill is nestled 15 kilometers (~9 miles) down a rugged dirt road from the Long Miles Bukeye Washing Station, crossing two rivers and spanning two provincial borders to reach. Despite the small rivers running through the area, local communities have limited access to clean drinking water and remain far from the reach of electricity. Coffee is the primary crop grown on the hill, rivaled only by corn and beans. In the distance, 54 kilometers (~34 miles) away, the fringes of Burundi’s only indigenous rainforest, the Kibira Forest, provide a striking backdrop to this remote and vital coffee-growing region. Varieties in Burundi are not exactly straightforward. We know that Red Bourbon and Mibirizi are being cultivated; however, we don't know at what relative percentages. Based on the history of production in Burundi there is also most likely some SL34 being grown as well. The Long Miles Coffee Project is the dream-become-reality of Ben and Kristy Carlson. The pair moved to Burundi in 2011 with a simple dream: Help coffee growers by helping roasters source consistently high quality coffees from Burundi. Their dream has grown from working with fifty coffee growers in 2013 to working with more than 5,500 at present. Long Miles has been extremely effective in helping to actualize Burundi’s natural potential for extremely high quality coffee, while also making an incredible impact socially, economically, and environmentally. Coffees from this project are some of our most anticipated of the year, and we are humbled and honored continue supporting their inspiring work.