Brewing with a Purpose
Maine is hardly short on excellent coffee, and Rwanda Bean Company is no exception. Bold and complex flavors burst from each cup brewed with their exquisite beans, roasted at their Thompson Point location in Portland, Maine. Walking into the cafe, you’re immediately met with the sight of green coffee beans waiting to be roasted, the smell of the best cup of espresso you can imagine, and (if you’re lucky) the sound of experienced roaster John Walsh enthusiastically explaining his method for creating the perfect product.
Sourcing coffee for our beers from Rwanda Bean has been a journey in exploration and education for the Mast Landing team. Sitting around the roasting equipment and sipping a variety of roasts, we took in the technical and philosophical mission behind the beans that have graced beers like our Imperial Coffee Gunner’s Daughter.
Not only is the company honoring the tradition of craft roasting - a true dedication to the farmers who grow the raw ingredients is embedded in their work. Founder Mike Mwenedata brings a love and admiration for his home country of Rwanda to the roastery and that connection comes to life through a 50% profit sharing model with farmer partners in Rwanda. We at Mast Landing value community so deeply here at home, and we’re honored to work with a coffee roaster that builds sustainable roots throughout their supply chain.
A deeper appreciation for the craft of our suppliers allows us to better utilize their products to elevate our beers. John’s expertise is clear as he describes the weather patterns, mechanical processes, and variances in bean shape that influence the process of roasting a fresh batch. It’s no secret that brewers, roasters & many others like us share similar perspectives on the unique marriage of science and art that frames our work. Partners like Rwanda Bean inform and inspire us on the path to our next step forward.
What might that step be? For Mast Landing & Rwanda Bean, a brown ale brewed with Rwanda Bean coffee is on the horizon for the fall of 2021. In the meantime, Rwanda Bean’s Compassion Campaign is ongoing through the rest of the year. A $5 donation to the Campaign provides a farmer or their family member with health insurance for an entire year. Last year, Rwanda Bean provided insurance to over 1,200 members of the Rwandan coffee farming community. This year they are aiming to double that number. Click the link to add your contribution!