UGANDA DRUGAR

Origin: Rwenzori Mountains (“Mountains of the Moon”), Western Uganda

Profile: Rustic, Earthy, and Bold

DRUGAR stands for Dried Ugandan Arabica. Unlike the Bugisu which is washed, DRUGAR is a Natural (Sun-Dried) coffee. It is grown by smallholder farmers in the high-altitude foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Because the cherries are dried with the fruit still on the bean, the coffee absorbs deep, fermented sugars and develops a profile that is much more rugged and “wild” than its washed counterparts.

Historically considered a commercial grade, modern DRUGAR is increasingly prized by specialty roasters for its unique “old-world” character and its ability to add significant body and complexity to espresso blends.

Flavour Experience

Body: Very heavy and syrupy; intense mouthfeel.
Notes: Deep baker’s chocolate, dried tobacco, and forest floor, with a distinct dark berry (blackberry or prune) fruitiness.
Acidity: Low and muted; a soft, heavy fruit-wine acidity rather than a citrus sparkle.
Finish: Long, pungent, and earthy with a hint of spice.

Best Enjoyed As

DRUGAR is the “muscle” of the coffee world—it isn’t subtle, but it is incredibly effective:

The “Strong” Morning Brew: Ideal for those who want a cup that “kicks back” with deep, chocolatey intensity.
Espresso Blending: This is its most common use. It provides a massive, stable crema and a chocolatey base that holds up even in large, milk-heavy lattes.
Dark Roasts: Like Sumatra Mandheling, DRUGAR thrives under high heat, where its natural sugars caramelize into a thick, smoky sweetness.

DRUGAR vs. Bugisu: The Processing Divide

Feature	Uganda Bugisu	Uganda DRUGAR
Process	Washed (Clean)	Natural (Rustic)
Region	East (Mt. Elgon)	West (Rwenzori)
Primary Note	Refined Chocolate	Earthy Berry / Cocoa
Character	Bright & Elegant	Heavy & Intense