China - Side A - Single Origin Filter

This exceptional coffee comes from Ruru Estate, a specialty coffee farm hidden within the Pu’er National Forest Reserve in Yunnan, China. Established in 2010 and managed by Mr. Liu and Mrs. Ruru, the estate is surrounded by pristine forest and is devoted to cultivating SL28, a rare Bourbon-line variety originally from Kenya. In a region where more than 95% of farms grow Catimor for its yield and resilience, Ruru Estate’s commitment to SL28 reflects a clear dedication to flavour, quality, and long-term sustainability.

Located at 1,350–1,420 metres above sea level, Ruru Estate benefits from fertile red forest soils, cool mountain air, and a carefully managed shade system. Macadamia, Terminalia myriocarpa (Yunnan almond), and Himalayan cherry trees are planted between coffee rows to regulate temperature, improve biodiversity, and enrich the soil through natural leaf litter. This shaded environment slows cherry maturation, allowing sugars and acids to develop more fully and contributing to the coffee’s layered complexity and refined character.

The decision to plant SL28 followed a local government varietal improvement program supported by detailed soil analysis, which confirmed the land’s suitability for this demanding variety. Today, seven dedicated SL28 plots form the heart of the estate’s production. Harvest runs from late December to late March, with cherries hand-picked only at peak ripeness. All green beans are screened at 16+ and colour sorted to ensure uniformity and consistency in every lot.

All processing is carried out at Ruru Estate’s own station, allowing complete quality control from cherry to green bean. The coffees are processed using the K72 washed method. Drying takes place slowly on raised beds inside covered houses, protecting the coffee from weather while allowing steady airflow for even moisture reduction and stable flavour development.

Once dried, the coffee is rested, evaluated, and prepared for export directly from the estate, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. This hands-on, estate-driven approach allows Mr. Liu and Mrs. Ruru to continually refine their farming and processing practices while preserving the ecological balance of the surrounding forest reserve.

Ruru Estate stands as a rare example of specialty coffee innovation in Yunna combining thoughtful varietal selection, ecological farming, and meticulous processing to produce coffees of exceptional depth and distinction. It represents both the future potential of Chinese specialty coffee and the dedication of producers willing to challenge convention in pursuit of flavour excellence.

Please note 1kg refills are not available for delivery - we will contact you to arrange collection.