Kenya Gicherori AA

Tasting Notes: Golden Raisin, Raw Sugar, Lime

Origin: Kenya

Region: Manyatta Divison, Embu

Factory: Gicherori

Process: Washed

Variety:  Batian, SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11

Elevation: 1550 masl

Importer: Cafe Imports

This microlot comes from the Gicherori factory, operated by the Kibugu Farmers Cooperative Society. There are around 1,050 smallholder farmer members, who deliver their cherry to the factory the same day it's harvested.

The coffee is picked ripe and depulped the same day then it is fermented in open-air tanks for 24–48 hours. It's then washed thoroughly using water channels, soaked underwater for 12–72 hours, then spread on raised beds to dry. The deliveries are blended and processed into day lots comprising the day's deliveries. Microlots are separated out from the day lots based on cup score and are limited to fewer than 100 bags.

The factory and its member farmers receive assistance and training from Coffee Management Services (CMS), which offers farmer education, "Good Agricultural Practices" seminars, and distributes a sustainable-farming handbook.

This offering from Kenya is full of complexity with sweet notes of golden raisin and raw sugar complemented by hints of lime.