Hooch – Decaf Blend

Hooch – Decaf Blend

Yemen | Rwanda

Yemen & Rwanda

Taste

Taste

Pineapple | Chocolate Cookies | Buttered Toast

Arabica
100%

Origin

Coffee cultivation in Yemen is a long-standing tradition, practiced in mountainous areas high on plateaus and in valleys between 1,600 and 2,100 meters above sea level. Yemen is considered the birthplace of coffee cultivation, introduced in the 15th century by Sufi monks. Coffee was exported from the port of Al-Makha in the 16th century, leading to the worldwide recognition of Mocha coffee.

The coffee is grown on small, terraced farms in the highlands, hand-picked, cultivated with natural fertilizers, and dried on raised beds or rooftops. These coffees come from Mocha Mill, a pioneer in specialty coffee exports from Yemen. Despite the civil war in 2014, they have steadily built supply chains in six regions of Yemen and established a modern dry mill in Samat.

Staff & Farmers

Mocha Mill works closely with Yemeni farmers, particularly women, who make up 75% of the farmers. They foster long-term relationships and educate farmers about best agricultural practices. Farmers are paid fairly when they deliver their cherries to Mocha Mill. Sustainability is a central concern for Mocha Mill, as Yemen is affected by drought and water scarcity. They use innovative irrigation and dry-processing techniques to optimize water use.

The selected coffees come from various regions, including Ismaili, Harazi, and Howari. In Harazi, they worked on an experimental area called Wadhi Almaa, where they implemented anaerobic fermentation and slow drying. The harvest is done by hand, followed by 6–12 days of sun-drying on rooftops. Despite the challenges in Yemen, Mocha Mill is committed to quality and social responsibility in the coffee supply chain.

Gitega – Rwanda

Origin

Just 12 kilometers from Bwenda, in the Cyanika Sector and at a slightly higher elevation, lies Gitega Hills. Gitega is somewhat larger than Bwenda, covering an area of about 6 hectares near the small town of Miko. The station was founded by RTC in 2016 and has been managed by Alex ever since. All Gitega employees come from the local community, and Alex believes the station plays a valuable and positive role in the region. Good rainfall during the last harvest season suggested excellent crop quality in 2022.

Staff & Farmers

Gitega employs 150 people in total, 11 of whom are permanent staff and the rest seasonal workers. About 90% of them are women. Gitega receives cherries from 1,040 farmers, who contribute to its annual production. In 2016, they processed 400 tons of cherries. The farmers’ plots are all located between 0.5 km and 7 km from the station and are served by 33 different cherry collection points. On average, participating farms have only 400 trees, equivalent to about one hectare.

In addition, the station supplies farmers with organic EM2 compost, made from recycled cherry pulp from the station and some animal manure. All 1,040 farmers who work with Gitega have completed or are currently participating in the Agricultural Training Program (ATP).

Facts

Origin & Growing Altitude

Yemen | Rwanda

Location:
Harazi || Yemen
Gitega || Rwanda

Processing:
sparkling water decaf

Growing altitude:
Yemen: 1,600m – 2,100
Rwanda: 1,600m – 1,900m

The Roast

Hooch – Decaf Blend, Drum-Roasted

At our roastery, we process only carefully selected coffees that are sourced sustainably and fairly. Without a healthy environment and happy farmers, there can be no good coffee for our customers and guests.

We gently roast all our coffees in our 15-kilo drum roaster at around 200 °C to create the best possible flavor experience for you. We draw on all our experience to find the perfect balance between the fruity notes and wonderful aromas of the coffee cherry during roasting.

Only when we’re happy with the result does the coffee make its way into your hands and cups.