New Foothills Uganda Kanungu Natural

The story of our two new Foothills Uganda coffees begins two years ago, when we were set up in the Roaster’s Village at the Specialty Coffee Association Trade Show in Seattle, WA. At those events, you are frequently visited by coffee farmers, typically from Brazil, who are eager to leave you with samples to try their various coffees. We had many such visits from all kinds of folks, but one soft-spoken gentleman stopped by named Gerald Mbabazi. He introduced himself as the director of Gorilla Summit, representing farmers from Kanungu in remote Southwestern Uganda. He left a couple of samples with us and went on his way. 

When I got back from Seattle, I looked at the pile of 20 or so green coffee samples and grabbed a few that caught my eye to roast up and cup. Two of the coffees that stood out from the pack were Gerald’s coffees. I was blown away. The samples were SL-28 varietals, one washed and one natural. The SL-28 caught my attention because it is a Kenyan varietal, but obviously grown in Uganda. I couldn’t tell which I liked more, the washed or the natural. 

I reached out to Gerald and told him how much we enjoyed his coffees and requested a few bags of each to put into our Foothills Series. The plot thickened when Gerald informed me the the coffee he had set aside for us (and others) had been stolen from his warehouse. I was disappointed but promised to try the next crop, hoping it would be just as good. Well, it turns out it was just as fantastic as the last crop and after much back and forth, we’re super happy to finally release both coffees to you. 

What I love these coffees is the opportunity for you to experience the exact same coffee varietal processed two different ways. Everything unique about them is due mainly to their processing method. The natural was dried in the sun on raised beds, and the washed was They are both amazing but it completely different ways. 

The Foothills Uganda Kanungu Washed has a delightful aroma of florals, vanilla, and chocolate. The flavor is like black currant, butterscotch, and brown sugar. For those familiar with our Foothills Series, this would be comparable to our Guatemala La Armonia Hermosa. 

The Foothills Uganda Kanungu natural has an aroma that is warm and sweet with lots of chocolate with a hint of berries. The flavor is like blueberries, honey, and milk chocolate. This would certainly be comparable to our Ethiopia Hambela. 

Here at Vienna, we want to continue to provide you with the coffees you’ve come to expect and love from us, but also want to keep introducing you to new ones because after all, they may soon become your new favorite. 

Philip Hatter Director of Coffee and Training 

Philip Hatter - US Brewers Cup Update

When we last spoke, I was headed to the US Brewer’s Cup Qualifying event in Nashville. It’s been a whirlwind since then. After placing in the top 15 from the Nashville Qualifier, I had the privilege of competing in the US finals in Costa Mesa, CA February 21-23. It was an incredible experience, and while I didn’t place as well as I had hoped (13th overall), I loved the opportunity to represent my Vienna team, and also to highlight a really special coffee, which is what I really want to talk about. 

My coffee was a Gesha varietal from Finca Los Cantares in Panama. It’s called the Dorado Ruisenor, which translated means Golden Nighingale. Back in 1994, Marie Jackie Mercer Vallarino purchased a coffee farm to provide for her family, and for 26 years they have poured their love into Los Cantares. That love and hard work paid off in 2012 when the Golden Nightingale placed first in the Best of Panama. In 2014 it placed second (by decimal points), and it continues to do well (and taste amazing). 

There are a few things that make Los Cantares stand out. First, it is located next to Volcan Baru National Park, and is surrounded by lush forest. Second, it is situated next to the Chiriqui Viejo river which, paired with its volcanic proximity, creates a unique microclimate which is perfect for coffee cultivation. Finally, Los Cantares is a bird sanctuary which means it is daily filled with the songs of diverse varieties of birds, including the little nightingale, which in their culture represents the presence of God. 

This name, Golden Nightingale, and it’s place in Panamanian lore, really spoke to me and so I crafted my routine in such a way as to compare this coffee with the song of the little bird. The Dorado Ruisenor “sings” over the Los Cantares from the top of the estate. It is a naturally processed coffee. This means that the cherries are selectively harvested when perfectly ripe and then sorted and dried on raised beds in the sun, making its song sweet. 

The coffee calls to you first in the aroma, where you are greeted with tropical fruit, warm vanilla, and orange blossom. The flavor of this coffee will sing sweetly when hot with fuji apple, cherry, and chocolate. As it cools, you’ll notice hints of strawberry and lime. The acidity is mainly malic, like an green apple when hot, but becoming more like stone fruit as it cools. The aftertaste is lingering and pleasant and reminiscent of toffee. The body is medium and juicy throughout. 

You can enjoy this coffee on our pour over bar for a limited time, brewed up in the Kalita Wave, which I used in my competition routine. The Kalita gave it this particular coffee a rich, even extraction, highlighting it’s sweetness. Stay tuned for more new coffees forthcoming in our Foothills Series!
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Philip Hatter
Director of Coffee and Training

Foothills Series