UGANDA BUGISU AB

Origin: Slopes of Mount Elgon (Eastern Uganda)

Profile: Rich, Balanced, and Syrupy

Bugisu AB is the vibrant, versatile sibling to the larger AA grade. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Elgon, these beans are cultivated by smallholder farmers at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 meters. While the “AB” designation represents a slightly smaller screen size (a combination of A and B beans), many roasters actually prefer this grade for its high flavor density and more efficient heat transfer during the roasting process.

As a fully Washed Arabica, Bugisu AB offers the classic “Mountain Coffee” profile: a clean, structured cup with a much heavier body than most East African origins.

Flavour Experience

Body: Medium-full and velvety.
Notes: A comforting base of milk chocolate and hazelnut, layered with notes of stone fruit (like plum) and baking spices.
Acidity: Medium and winey; crisp enough to be interesting but balanced by deep sweetness.
Finish: Smooth and sugary with a slight malt or caramel lingering.

Best Enjoyed As

The AB grade is often considered the “sweet spot” for specialty production due to its consistency:

Daily Drip/Filter: Its balanced nature makes it an excellent “house coffee” that appeals to both black coffee drinkers and those who add milk.
Modern Espresso: The smaller bean size contributes to a very even extraction, resulting in a sweet, chocolate-forward shot with a pleasant fruity “pop.”
Medium Roasts: Perfect for developing the complex sugars without introducing the smokiness of a dark roast.

Bugisu AA vs. AB: Which should you choose?

Bugisu AA: Choose this for premium “Single Origin” shelf presence. The large beans are visually impressive and offer a slightly more “refined” and singular flavor profile.
Bugisu AB: Choose this for better value and blending versatility. The smaller beans often pack a more concentrated “punch” of sweetness and are more forgiving during the roasting process.