Gisheke is a washing station thats currently only accessible by boat or by foot. The times we've visited, we go by boat through Lake Kivu. On the way, we pass by Mushungwe Island, which is inhabited by approximately 200 Rwandan families. These families grow coffee and they contribute their cherries to Gisheke. 

Sitting in the Nyamasheke District of Rwanda, Gisheke is a beautiful terrain and has idealistic characteristics for both growing and processing coffee. Sitting between two hills that funnel winds in from Lake Kivu, coffee is dried fully on raised beds for extended amounts of time. These times will get up to 30 days for washed coffees and 40-45 for honeys and naturals.

Only in operation for the past two years, Gisheke is a new washing station on the scene in Rwanda and we've already seen vast improvements from year one to year two. Balthazar, the station manager, is highly focused on improvements in all aspects, but finds the most fulfilment comes with noticeable impact on processing. These coffees are clean, sweet and showcase a refreshing winey acidity.