This coffee is grown by smallholder farmers in Beni Territory, North Kivu, DR Congo at elevations of 1900-2100 meters above sea level. The coffee is wash-processed by Kawa Kanzaruru Cooperative, which operates a network of 24 micro-mills along the western rim of the Rwenzori Mountain Range. The varietals include Heirloom Varietals, Blue Mountain, and Rumangabo. The coffee features flavor notes of Baker's Chocolate and Dried Raspberry, described as both fruity and chocolatey. The beans are grown in deep, fertile, volcanic soil near Virunga National Park.
Pair Cupworks is a specialty micro roastery in Mesa, Arizona, founded by Kimhak Em and Eugenia Tai. Kimhak brings over 30 years of food service experience and a culinary background; Eugenia combines structural engineering with commercial illustration and handles the brand's visual identity. They began roasting in 2017, initially selling beans online while working day jobs, and opened their first coffee bar in 2020. Food & Wine Magazine named them Best Coffee Roaster in the state in 2022. They roast in small batches with the goal of developing clean flavours that respect the work of farmers and producers. Wholesale clients now stretch across the US and into Europe and Asia.
