Spend over £25, get free delivery & One Tree Planted!

From the mountains of Rwanda to your cup: The story behind Shyira coffee

Coffee is more than a drink. It’s a story, a journey, a bridge between soil, sky, and sip. Our latest release, Shyira – Rwanda, is a coffee that sings of altitude, environment, and community. Let’s dive into where it comes from, why it matters, and how to brew it to taste every note.

Why Rwanda Coffee deserves your attention

When you think of African coffee origins, Ethiopia often steals the spotlight. But Rwanda?

It’s a quiet powerhouse. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda’s landscape is built for coffee: rich volcanic soils, high elevation, and smallholder farmers who’ve been perfecting cultivation for generations.

Shyira: a place, a coffee, a community

Shyira is a washing station in Nyabihu District, Western Rwanda. Known as the “Little Baby” Shyira is the smallest of all the Muraho Trading Company’s coffee washing stations – sitting at a jaw-dropping 2,000m above sea level. This altitude slows the cherry’s maturation, packing beans with dense sugars and nuanced flavours.

Shyira Coffee Washing Station team

Shyira coffee farm workers sorting coffee beans

The washing station works with over 1,800 local farmers, each with just a small plot of land. Their care in hand-picking ripe cherries and the meticulous washed process gives Shyira its clean, bright cup profile.

The flavour of high altitude

Altitude matters. The higher the coffee grows, the cooler the nights and the slower the cherries ripen. That’s where the magic happens—denser beans, complex acidity, and layers of flavour you’ll never find in lower-grown coffees.

Think of it as the difference between a quick snapshot and a slow-exposed photograph. High-altitude coffees capture more depth, more story, more soul.

Rwanda - Shyira washing station hut in the hills

Rwanda coffee: more than flavour

Every bag of Shyira represents more than taste – it represents progress. Coffee is one of Rwanda’s biggest exports and a lifeline for thousands of families. Washing stations like Shyira invest in farmer training, better wages, and community projects.

When you brew this coffee, you’re not just drinking something delicious – you’re supporting a global story of resilience and growth.

Red Bourbon Coffee Processing

Why we’re excited about Shyira

Shyira embodies why Beanworks’ do what we do: to connect you to flavour, origin, and craft.

Grab a bag, brew it your way, and taste Rwanda’s thousand hills in your cup.

HOBE HOBE HOBE THE SHYIRA FAMILY!

Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered some frequently asked questions on our speciality coffee beans below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered some frequently asked questions on our speciality coffee beans below.
  • What makes Shyira Rwanda coffee unique?

    Shyira grows at over 2,000m above sea level, giving the beans extra density and complex flavour. Expect delicate florals, citrus notes, and a silky body.

  • Is Rwanda coffee considered specialty coffee?

    Yes — Rwanda produces some of the world’s best specialty coffees. Shyira is fully traceable, carefully processed at the washing station, and roasted by Beanworks.

  • How should I brew Shyira Rwanda coffee?

    We recommend pour over (V60, Kalita, Chemex) to highlight its floral and citrus notes. AeroPress and filter also work beautifully.

  • Does altitude really affect coffee flavour?

    Absolutely. High altitude slows cherry growth, creating denser beans with brighter acidity and layered flavour — exactly what you’ll taste in Shyira.