This week, we are stoked to kick off Kenyan season strong with 3 incredibly high quality lots that cover the full spectrum of classic Kenyan flavor profiles. Prepare yourself for the juice, these ones are heavy hitters. Also, we are opening slots for both the 2bag and 4bag subs, with these Kenyans releasing there for this month. Check the sub page for more details!
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Kenya Ichuga AA Washed:
Ichuga washing station, owned by Kiama Farmers Cooperative Society(FCS) is managed by Stephen Kinyua and processes cherry for over 835 smallholder farmers that live in the surrounding Nyeri county. On average, these farmers only tend to half a hectare or less than 300 trees, growing at an average 1,800masl. Kiama FCS was established in 2005 after a merger between 2 neighboring co-ops, and eventually grew to represent over 3,000 smallholders. Kiama operates 4 different washing stations including Gachuiro, Kiangundo, Ichuga and Kiamaina. After the government reforms in 2023 changed the way coffee exports are handled, Kiama was able to obtain its own export license and bargain directly with buyers, increasing its ability to better advocate for its members and ask for more fair prices for their coffee. This classically processed double-washed lot hits exactly what you'd expect from a Nyeri coffee, with a red fruit forward cup the highlights red currants, black cherry cola, and an abundance of citric aromatics like lemon and lime zest. As it cools, a beautiful honeysuckle floral tone rises to the surface and lingers long on the finish.
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Kenya Kiangundo AA Washed:
Also within the Kiama FCS, Kiangundo operates at a similar scale to Ichuga with 839 members delivering cherry to their site at 1,800masl. Jackson Mahu Kooro, an active member of Kiama who delivers cherry to Ichuga, currently oversees operations at Kiangundo after working as a machine operator there for 17 years. Through Jackson's dedication and attention to detail, and the hardwork of its 5 permanent on site staff members, Kiangundo's quality remains stable year over year. After the predominantly red flavors of Ichuga, we were delighted to find this classical black currant cup as a good companion coffee to it. While hot, blackberry and blackcurrant jump to the top of the palate, eventually giving way to cleaner tones of white grape, orange blossom, and black tea, reminding us of a puer tea orange.
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Founded by the Mutira FCS in 1975, Mugaya washing station provides processing and drying, technical agriculture advice and services, and regularly checks in with its 924 members to ensure the surrounding land remains healthy and vibrant. Mugaya sits at 1570masl, and farmers are encouraged to plant shade trees and grow beans, macadamia, and other crops to maintain the health of the soil. In the cup, we find an extremely high green apple and lime acidity that absolutely knocked our socks off on the initial offer sample of this coffee. Despite this loud punchy start, this coffee contains multitudes, opening up to notes of buttery chardonnay, nectarine, and kiwi.
