Origins

Africa is the birthplace of coffee, and its diverse landscapes produce beans with unparalleled complexity and character. From the high-altitude plateaus of Kenya to the ancient forests of Ethiopia, each origin brings its own terroir, flavour profile, and heritage.

UGANDA - BUGISU

The Bugisu region, situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, produces distinctive Arabica coffees. These beans are known for their rich, earthy character, often with notes of chocolate and nuts, and a medium acidity, offering a comforting and robust cup.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,300-2,000m
TASTING NOTES: Chocolate, nutty, earthy, medium acidity, heavy body
BEAN GRADES: A, AA

RWANDA - WESTERN PROVINCE

Rwanda's Western Province, bordering Lake Kivu, is a region of stunning hills and fertile land. Coffee from this area, often processed at community washing stations, is celebrated for its exceptional cleanliness, sweetness, and delicate floral notes, reflecting the country's dedication to quality and resurgence.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,500-2,000m
TASTING NOTES: Orange blossom, caramel, black tea, creamy body, sweet finish
BEAN GRADES: A, B

KENYA - NYERI

Nyeri County, located in the central highlands of Kenya, is renowned for producing some of Africa's most vibrant and complex coffees. Grown on rich volcanic soils at high altitudes, Nyeri beans are typically wet-processed and known for their intense fruit flavors, sparkling acidity, and full body.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,600-1,900m
TASTING NOTES: Blackcurrant, tomato, winey, citrus, full body
BEAN GRADES: AA, AB, PB

ETHIOPIA - YIRGACHEFFE

The Yirgacheffe region, nestled in the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia, is widely considered the birthplace of Arabica coffee. Its high altitudes, fertile soil, and traditional wet-processing methods yield some of the world's most distinctive and aromatic coffees, celebrated for their bright, clean, and floral characteristics.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,700-2,200m
TASTING NOTES: Floral, citrus, berry, bright acidity, tea-like body
BEAN GRADES: Grade 1, Grade 2

TANZANIA - KILIMANJARO REGION

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania's coffee farms benefit from rich volcanic soils and a consistent climate. The region is famous for its large, high-quality AA grade beans, which are meticulously sorted and processed. Tanzanian coffee often presents a vibrant, wine-like acidity and a rich, deep flavor profile.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,400 - 1,800 meters
TASTING NOTES: Blackcurrant, winey, citrus, medium body, bright acidity.
BEAN GRADES: AA, AB

UGANDA - RWENZORI MOUNTAINS

The majestic Rwenzori Mountains, often called the "Mountains of the Moon," provide an ideal microclimate for coffee cultivation. High altitudes, abundant rainfall, and fertile soils contribute to the unique character of Ugandan coffee. Farmers here often employ traditional methods, ensuring meticulous care from seed to cup.

ALTITUDE RANGE: 1,500 - 2,300 meters
TASTING NOTES: Dark chocolate, plum, hints of spice, full-bodied, bright acidity.
BEAN GRADES: Drugar, AA

  • Floral Aromatics

    Delicate and complex floral notes that define our African coffees.

  • Bright Citrus & Stone Fruit

    Vibrant acidity with citrus and stone fruit undertones.

  • Layered Sweetness

    Refined sweetness that develops through the palate.

UNDERSTANDING BEAN GRADES

INDONESIAN GRADING SYSTEM

GRADE 1 (G1)
The highest quality grade in the Indonesian system. Grade 1 beans are meticulously selected for their superior size, density, and flavor potential. Indonesian Mandheling is a celebrated Grade 1 coffee, known for its full body, earthy notes, and exceptional complexity.

GRADE 2 (G2)
A step below Grade 1, G2 beans still offer excellent quality with minor variations in size and appearance. These beans deliver solid flavor profiles and represent good value for specialty coffee enthusiasts.

GRADE 3 (G3)
The entry-level grade with more variation in bean size and quality. While lower in grade, G3 beans can still produce pleasant cups when properly roasted and brewed.

In the Indonesian grading system, lower numbers indicate higher quality and greater desirability among specialty coffee professionals.

AFRICAN & INTERNATIONAL GRADING SYSTEM

AA GRADE
The highest grade, AA beans are screen size 17/18 (6.75-7.20mm). These larger beans are prized for their superior flavour development, complexity, and consistency. They represent the pinnacle of African coffee quality. India Monsoon Malabar is a distinguished AA coffee, renowned for its bold, smooth character and unique monsoon-processed flavor profile.

A GRADE
A grade beans are screen size 16/17 (6.20-6.75mm) and represent excellent quality with consistent flavor profiles. These beans offer outstanding value and are highly sought after by specialty coffee roasters for their balance of quality and accessibility.

AB GRADE
AB grade beans are slightly smaller than AA, with screen size between 16 and 17. These beans still offer exceptional quality and excellent flavor profiles, making them a popular choice for specialty coffee roasters seeking outstanding value and consistency.

PB (PEABERRY) GRADE
Peaberry is a natural mutation where a coffee cherry produces a single, rounded bean instead of the typical two flat beans. This unique morphology concentrates flavors and creates a distinctive cup profile. Peaberries are highly sought after for their concentrated sweetness, complexity, and unique flavor characteristics that set them apart from standard grades.

At Roho, we source exclusively A and AA grade beans, ensuring every cup meets the highest standards of specialty coffee. Our direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives guarantee traceability, quality, and ethical sourcing from farm to cup.