If you like your coffees artisanal, with values and tastes reflective of very specific origins, these two new limited edition flavors from Nespresso might be your brews of choice. Umutima wa Lake Kivu and Tanim de Chiapas come from Rwanda and Mexico, respectively, with the Rwandan growers using contemporary techniques while their Mexican counterparts use age-old traditional methods. Nespresso’s goals are to pay tribute to these communities and also highlight its corporate good guy role. Yes, the Nestle-owned firm is not just about irreverent George Clooney advertising.

In fact, at the launch of these limited editions in Singapore, the brand filled us in on the conservation angle that is of great concern for customers, namely disposal of the aluminum capsules and the coffee within. According to Nespresso, the company is working with partners to collect the capsules and separate the aluminum containers from the coffee so that one can be send to compost locally while the other can be sent overseas for recycling. No prizes for guessing which is which…

Growers at Lake Kivu, Rwanda at work

Ok back to the new limited editions then. Both brews are Pure Origin, meaning that 100% of the beans have been sourced locally, with Nespresso adding its own touch in applying its split roasting technique. Tasting notes for Umutima wa Lake Kivu describe it as such: “Refreshing union of fluid texture with bright, juicy fruit notes, enhanced by a delicate aftertaste.” Tanim de Chiapas, on the other hand, is a “Sweet harmony of a silky-smooth texture and bready aromas with delicious nutty notes.” The Chiapas version also reflects the acidity of the volcanic soil the coffee was cultivated in while the Lake Kivu version really is extremely fruity, which is a fair description of most Lake Kivu coffee. Both are available now and you can find them at Nespresso boutiques or on their website, where they can be ordered.

Traditional production at Chiapas, Mexico