Kenya Ichuga AA Washed

Region: Nyeri, Kenya

Producer: 835 smallholder farmers organized around Kiama FCS

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

Process: Washed

Tasting notes: black cherry cola, red currant, honeysuckle

Producer info and cup notes: 

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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