About this Experience

Hosted by Red Rocks Initiatives In Rwanda, Urwagwa (banana beer) is far more than an alcoholic drink; it is the "liquid social glue" that has bonded communities for centuries. Whether sealing a marriage contract, welcoming a new neighbor, or celebrating a successful harvest, this brew is present at every milestone. This Banana Beer Making Immersion invites you to roll up your sleeves and join a local women's cooperative in a high-energy, hands-on ritual of transformation. The Experience: From Pit to Palate • The Underground Secret: Discover the first step of the process—ripening. Learn how bananas are buried in a deep, leaf-lined pit and warmed with small fires for several days to convert starches into sugars. • The "Mash-Up": Get hands-on (and feet-in, if you're brave!). Work alongside the cooperative members to mash the ripened bananas using traditional wooden tools and spear grass. It’s a rhythmic, physical process that is always accompanied by singing and laughter. • The Sorghum Spark: Learn the traditional chemistry of fermentation. Watch as ground, roasted sorghum is added to the banana juice to act as a natural yeast, beginning the transformation into beer. • The Community Toast: Experience the final result. Taste the different stages of the brew—from the sweet, non-alcoholic Mutunda juice to the potent, earthy Urwagwa. At a Glance: The CBT Advantage Women’s Empowerment: This experience is led by a women's cooperative, where brewing provides a sustainable income and social independence. Living Heritage: You are learning a 1,000-year-old recipe that uses zero chemicals and 100% local, organic ingredients. Authenticity: This is a "living" social experience. You aren't just watching a demo; you are part of a village celebration. Know Before You Go Dress for the Occasion: Brewing is a messy, joyful business! Wear casual clothes that you don't mind getting a few banana splashes on. A Shared Straw: Traditionally, Urwagwa is shared from a single pot using long wooden straws to symbolize unity. While we offer individual servings, the spirit of "sharing one cup" remains the heart of the experience.