Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee Review
This coffee was, in short, mind-blowingly good. Just to clarify, this isn't a sponsored post for Starbucks, just an honest review.
These beans are tough to find online, so it's better to visit a local Starbucks. If they don't have them, the baristas can usually tell you if another nearby Starbucks does.
This coffee was truly delicious. A treat. Immediately upon reading the description of this coffee on the card attached to the bag, I knew it was going to be special.
This roast was one of the best I’ve had in a while.
ABOUT
Starbucks indicates that this coffee is from the Muhanga region of Rwanda, and offers the following details about the roast:
Varietal: Bourbon
Processing: Washed
Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee has garnered significant attention in the coffee world, and for good reason. This unique brew originates from the Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda, which has been celebrated for its commitment to quality and community empowerment.
Regarding this coffee, Starbucks offered the generous write-up on the back of the card:
“The founding principle of Abateraninkunga ba Sholi, a woman-founded coffee cooperative in the Muhanga District of central Rwanda, is one of community support through coffee. The name translates to “mutual assistance,” and the members of Sholi bring exceptional coffee and renewed strength to the local economy. There’s deep satisfaction in enjoying this coffee—and helping the spirit of Sholi live on.”
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REVIEW
When it comes to coffee, there are a few flavors notes I have come to love, and raspberry and toffee are a few of those. Seeing those flavor notes told me that this was going to be great.
According to Starbucks, this coffee has “tea-like florals, notes of raspberry and cherry skins, with a toffee sweetness.”
I used the beans from this roast to make Americanos (iced and hot), cold brew, cappuccino, latte, flat white, cold brew, and an affogato. All were delightful. Of everything I made with this roast, the cold brew was my favorite.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee is nothing short of spectacular. The beans are medium-roasted, which allows the natural flavors to shine through without being overpowered by the roasting process. Upon the first sip, one can immediately detect a complex array of flavors that make this coffee truly unique.
Aromas and Initial Impressions
The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee is inviting, with hints of floral and fruity notes that tantalize the senses. As the coffee cools slightly, these aromas become more pronounced, offering a preview of the flavors to come.
Tasting Notes
Floral Notes: The initial sip reveals delicate floral notes, reminiscent of jasmine or honeysuckle. These floral undertones add a lightness to the coffee, making it feel almost ethereal.
Fruity Accents: As the floral notes dissipate, a wave of fruity flavors emerges. One can detect hints of blackcurrant, raspberry, and even a touch of citrus. These fruity accents provide a refreshing contrast to the floral notes, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Nutty Undertones: The fruity flavors give way to subtle nutty undertones, adding depth and complexity to the coffee. The nutty notes are reminiscent of almonds or hazelnuts, providing a smooth, creamy finish.
Chocolate Hints: Finally, a hint of dark chocolate lingers on the palate, adding a rich, velvety texture to the coffee. This chocolatey finish ties all the flavors together, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience.
Should you try this coffee? Yes. You’d be crazy not to. After trying it for a few drinks I went back and bought 5 more bags.
Rating: 9.5/10
Coffee Brewing Methods
To fully appreciate the unique flavor profile of Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee, it's essential to use the right brewing methods. Here are a few recommended methods to unlock the full potential of this exceptional coffee:
Pour-Over: This method allows for precise control over the brewing process, ensuring that the coffee's delicate flavors are not lost. The slow, steady pour helps extract the full range of flavors, resulting in a clean, crisp cup of coffee.
French Press: The French press method allows for a longer extraction time, which can enhance the coffee's rich, complex flavors. The result is a full-bodied cup with a robust flavor profile that highlights the coffee's unique characteristics.
Chemex: Similar to the pour-over method, the Chemex allows for precise control over the brewing process. The thick paper filters used in a Chemex help remove any impurities, resulting in a clean, pure cup of coffee that showcases the coffee's natural flavors.
Espresso: For those who prefer a more intense coffee experience, brewing Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee as an espresso can bring out its bold, concentrated flavors. The espresso method highlights the coffee's fruity and chocolatey notes, creating a rich, velvety shot of coffee.
Pairing Suggestions
To elevate the experience of enjoying Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee, consider pairing it with complementary foods. Here are a few suggestions to enhance the flavors of this exceptional coffee:
Pastries: The light, flaky texture of pastries, such as croissants or Danish pastries, pairs beautifully with the coffee's floral and fruity notes. The buttery richness of the pastries complements the coffee's nutty undertones, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.
Chocolate: The rich, velvety texture of dark chocolate enhances the coffee's chocolatey finish, creating a decadent and indulgent experience. Consider pairing the coffee with a piece of high-quality dark chocolate for a truly luxurious treat.
Cheese: The creamy texture and mild flavor of soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, can complement the coffee's nutty and fruity notes. The cheese's subtle flavors allow the coffee's complex profile to shine, creating a harmonious pairing.
Fruit: Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, can enhance the coffee's fruity accents. The natural sweetness and tartness of the berries provide a refreshing contrast to the coffee's rich, complex flavors.
The Starbucks Reserve Experience
The Starbucks Reserve line is a celebration of the world's most exceptional coffees, and the Rwanda Sholi Coffee is no exception. Each Starbucks Reserve coffee is sourced from small-lot farms, ensuring that only the highest quality beans are selected. These coffees are then expertly roasted to bring out their unique flavors and characteristics.
Visiting a Starbucks Reserve Roastery or store is an experience in itself. These locations offer a unique atmosphere where coffee enthusiasts can explore and appreciate the art of coffee. From the sleek, modern design to the knowledgeable baristas, every aspect of the Starbucks Reserve experience is designed to celebrate the world of coffee.
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The Sholi Cooperative
The Sholi Cooperative, located in the Muhanga District of Rwanda, is known for producing some of the highest quality coffee beans in the region. Established in 2008, the cooperative has grown to include over 400 members, with a strong focus on empowering women. The cooperative's name, "Sholi," means "togetherness" in Kinyarwanda, reflecting the community spirit that drives their operations.
The cooperative's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous farming practices. The coffee plants are grown at high altitudes, between 1,800 and 2,000 meters above sea level, which provides an ideal environment for the beans to develop their unique characteristics. The beans are handpicked, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected for processing. This attention to detail is crucial in producing the high-quality coffee that Starbucks Reserve is known for.
Sourcing and Sustainability
Starbucks has a long-standing commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, and their partnership with the Sholi Cooperative is a testament to this dedication. By sourcing coffee from the Sholi Cooperative, Starbucks not only supports the local economy but also promotes sustainable farming practices.
The Sholi Cooperative employs a variety of sustainable farming techniques, such as using organic fertilizers and implementing water conservation methods. These practices not only benefit the environment but also ensure that the coffee produced is of the highest quality. Furthermore, Starbucks' involvement helps provide the cooperative with the resources and training needed to maintain these standards.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the Sholi Cooperative and Starbucks' commitment to quality and sustainability. With its complex flavor profile, rich history, and ethical sourcing, this coffee is a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.
Whether you prefer a light, floral cup or a bold, chocolatey shot of espresso, Starbucks Reserve Rwanda Sholi Coffee offers something for everyone. By exploring different brewing methods and pairings, you can unlock the full potential of this exceptional coffee and enjoy a truly unique coffee experience.
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