Arabica Coffee has been grown in the Rwenzori region for as long as anyone can remember, and the conditions of high rainfall, the altitude from 1300 to over 2000 masl, and volcanic soils are perfect for the production of high-quality specialty arabica coffee.
Practically all coffee is grown by smallholder farmers who have coffee trees growing in their fields alongside other crops. The typical size of a plot is between 1 and 2 acres. The main varietals are SL28 and SL14, but with a range of other older varietals. This mix of varietals contributes to the complexity of the coffee produced.
In the past, coffee from this area has not had a good reputation. Poor harvesting and processing and long delays in processing and shipping resulted in an inconsistent, unreliable and low-grade product.
For some time now importers have been committed to turning that around, and over several years they have seen a significant improvement. Motivating the farmers to harvest only red cherries by paying top price for the very best cherries is where it starts, and then careful processing and adhering to the highest standards means that they can now offer roasters around the world a bright, fruity and exciting coffee which regularly scores 85 and above.
Mahango is at 1800 masl in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, with many farmers living and growing coffee well above this height. Farmers typically have between 1 and 2 acres of land and coffee is their main cash crop. Ripe, red coffee cherries are harvested daily during the harvest season and taken to the buying center. The cherries are weighed and assessed for quality and the farmers are paid in cash. From here trucks carry the cherries to the Coffee Station where cherries are floated and graded before being sundried. Our teams turn the cherries several times each day to ensure even drying whilst allowing the cherries to mature and develop their full rich flavors.
Country: Uganda
Region: Mahango, Rwenzori Mountains
Farm: Various smallholder farmers
Elevation: 1800-1900 MASL
Variety: Typica, SL14, SL28
Processing: Natural
Tasting notes: Heavy bodied yet bright & sweet with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, dried fig, & honey.
Website orders are roasted and packed every Monday and picked up Tuesday by USPS for delivery. As we only roast exactly as much of each coffee as we have known orders for, please be sure and place your order no later than 10 AM (PST) on Monday for fulfillment that week. Orders that come in later than that may not be fulfilled until the following week.
Here is a quick guide to what our shipping rates are based on the quantity you order:
Orders weighing 0 - 7.99 Pounds ship for $8.00.
Orders weighing 8 Pounds or more ship for Free!
(If you live in the Seattle area and would like to know where you can find Velton's Coffee locally, check out our handy guide!)
Scroll down to see all current available coffees. To view or purchase click on the images below.