August 2025: Podium Gold. Utopian Coffee

Country: Rwanda
Varietals: Bourbon
Region: Nyamasheke
Process: Fully washed
Producer: Murundo Coffee Washing Station
Elevation: 1,700-1,900 MASL
Tasting notes: Earl grey, peach, plum, brown sugar

The coffee

This exceptional lot hails from the Murundo Coffee Washing Station, part of the Kivubelt group in Rwanda’s lush Nyamasheke district. The coffee was grown by 100 smallholders in the high-altitude community of Cyiya, nestled on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park. 

Kivubelt was established in 2011 by Furaha Umwizeye, after returning to Rwanda with a master’s degree in economics from Switzerland. Born and raised in Rwanda, Umwizeye’s goal with Kivubelt is to create a model coffee plantation, as sustainable in agriculture as it is impactful in local employment and empowerment.

Thanks to the region’s rich volcanic soil, humid climate, and forest influence, Cyiya consistently produces some of the most vibrant coffees in Kivubelt’s lineup.

Anticipate this coffee to play well in filter drip but also check out porous-filter or full immersion options to maintain some of the delectable texture in this coffee. No doubt this will also make a splendid espresso!

The roaster

Utopian was founded more than a decade ago by two cousins: one a craft coffee aficionado and the other, a backpacking vagabond who fell in love with coffee-producing countries, cultures, and people.

Today, that passion for both the craft of coffee and the care of people form the strong foundation of the company. What began as cultural intrigue has evolved into an intentional commitment to invest in and learn from coffee producers around the world, and Utopian Coffee is known for its unparalleled commitment to sustainably harvested coffee..

Utopian helps to elevate their farming partners as they strive to support their goals and dreams to create a sustainable supply chain that honors people and the environment.

This pedigree and commitment has led to Utopian being honored with 2 coffees in Coffee Review's top 30 coffees of 2024 and being named a Roaster of the Year finalist by Roast Magazine in 2025.

More broadly, Utopian's roasting team combined have achieved 5 Good Food Awards wins, roaster Nick Berardi was the 2022 U.S. Roaster Champion, and they've crafted a very rare 98 point coffee with Coffee Review.