Kenya Gachatha AB Washed(2026)

Region: Nyeri, Kenya

Producer: Around 1050 smallholder farmers from the Gachatha Farmers Cooperative Society 

Varietal: Field blend of SL-28, SL-34, Batian and Ruiru

Process: Washed: Fermented in open concrete tanks for 24-48 hours, then thoroughly washed in water channels for 24-72 hours, dried on raised beds 

Tasting notes: White grape, magnolia, grass fed butter

Producer info and cup notes: 

Gachatha Coffee Factory was built in 1963 and now serves over 1,050 members in Nyeri, Kenya. Outgrowers registered with the Gachatha Farmers' Cooperative Society(FCS) delivery cherry to the central wet mill, with each individual member tending to an average of 300 coffee trees, mostly consisting of SL-34, batian, ruiru and "SL-28."** These local farmers are spread throughout the the nearby villages of Muthuaini, Thiriku, Gachenge, and Kianjau, which surround the 391 acres of land that Gachatha sits upon. Due to the densely populated location of the washing station, extreme care is taken to ensure waste water from processing cherry is taken care of, with designated soaking pits sectioned off far from fresh water sources, and regulations put in place to protect local wildlife and native bird populations. At the station, coffees are typically processed as "day lots" with each farmer delivering that days' production to the mill, and everything being separated and processed with proper labeling from start to finish. This meticulous attention to detail is a result of the hard work of 9 permanent staff and 25 seasonal workers who work hard to ensure quality coming out of Gachatha is consistent year over year. As a result, this cup is beautifully clean and vibrant, with cripsy clear white grape and magnolia tones while hot, gradually cooling to reveal a good deal of citric acidity and a buttery mouthfeel, reminding us of a really beautiful chardonnay. 
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