Kenya AB

Region:  Giathigu, Nyeri

Notes: Earl Grey, Stone Fruit, Cranberry

Process: Washed

Varietal: Sl-28, Sl-34, Ruiru 11  

Altitude: 1700msl- 1900msl

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Notes from the importer (Coffee Shrub): This is the AB grade selection from the Igutha wet mill in Nyeri. The wet mill (called a "Factory" in Kenya) operates under the Rugi Farmer's Cooperative Society, an umbrella organization that oversees operations of their associated wet mills, and helps with things like agronomical support to farmers, pre-financing during the harvest season, and marketing the coffees. It's my understanding that Rugi is an older coop, started back in the late 1960's. This is the first year we've tasted there coffee, and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to pick up this stellar AB lot! Igutha currently has around 600 members delivering their coffee cherry to the mill, and farms are typically 1 hectare or less, and at an altitude range of 1700 - 1900 meters. After depulping the coffee, they employ up to 48 hour fermentation time to beak down the sticky fruit mucilage surrounding the seeds. The coffee is then moved to raised drying beds where it will dry for 2-3 weeks. The preferred cultivars are SL-28, and SL-34 bourbon selections, known for good cup quality, especially when growing conditions are favorable. But you also see Batain, Ruiru 11, quite common in Kenya.