Juicy raspberry, fresh grapefruit, and the sweetness of vanilla with melon. Kenya Gichathaini AA from the Slovak roastery KAFFA is exactly the type of washed Kenyan coffee that captivates with its pronounced acidity and, at the same time, a clean, well-defined flavor profile. Raspberry and grapefruit take center stage in the cup, their freshness balanced by a subtler vanilla sweetness and juicy melon. The result is a structured and lively filter coffee that beautifully showcases the character of classic coffees from the Nyeri region. With a score of 87.75 points, it’s also a truly interesting lot for anyone looking for clarity and pronounced fruitiness in a Kenyan coffee.
The coffee comes from the Gichatha-ini Washing Station in Kenya’s Nyeri County, which has been in operation since 1968. It is located in the Central Highlands between the Aberdare Mountains and the foothills of Mount Kenya and is one of three stations belonging to the Gikanda Farmers Cooperative Society. The coffee cherries are supplied here by small-scale farmers, most of whom cultivate plots of one hectare or less. Coffee trees of the SL28 and SL32 varieties grow at an elevation of 1,700 to 1,800 meters, where cooler conditions slow the ripening of the cherries. Gichatha-ini also has its own dry mill and cupping lab, allowing it to maintain control over individual lots right up until they are prepared for export.
The cherries are harvested by hand and only when fully ripe. Upon arrival at the station, they are sorted and washed with water, which helps separate lower-quality fruits. The skin and pulp are then removed, and the coffee undergoes approximately 72 hours of fermentation. This longer fermentation is a characteristic feature of the Kenyan washed processing method and contributes to the coffee’s pronounced acidity and clean flavor profile. After fermentation, the beans are dried for up to 21 days on raised beds, where they are regularly turned to ensure even drying.
- Station: Gichatha-ini (Gikanda Farmers Cooperative Society)
- Elevation: 1,700–1,800 m above sea level