Get ready for a cup that's like a walk on a Kenyan farm during harvest - juicy, fragrant and full of life. Kenya Kiangoi AA from Polish roaster Kaizen Coffee is a great example of how Kenya's specialty coffees can impress. This coffee has been specially filter roasted so it shines in every method from V60, to Chemex, to AeroPress. And what's in store for the taste? Bold rhubarb, sweet and fresh raspberry and a pleasantly warming caramel. All of this backed up by clean acidity and beautiful balance - simply a cup worth your attention.
The grains come from the famous Kirinyaga region, located on the slopes of majestic Mount Kenya. This area is ideal for growing specialty coffee due to its rich volcanic soil, high altitude of 1600-1800m above sea level and stable climate. Coffee is produced here by the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, which manages several stations, including the Kiangoi Factory. This station began operating again in 1997 after the break-up of the original Ngiriama Cooperative and has since built a strong reputation. Thanks to enlightened management, it has invested in infrastructure - for example, ceramic tiles in the fermentation tanks or an efficient water recycling system, showing that even traditional methods can go hand in hand with sustainability.
The coffee processing itself is precise and thoughtful. After the hand-picking and thorough sorting of the cherries comes the wet processing (fully washed) - one of the purest methods that allows the coffee's natural character to come out to the full. The cherries are peeled, fermented overnight and then washed several times. The beans are then graded according to quality (P1, P2, P3, pods etc.) and dried on African raised tables for 8 to 14 days - depending on the weather and the density of the beans. This meticulous process is the key to the resulting flavour, which is not only complex but also exceptionally clean and fresh. If you're looking for a specialty coffee that combines superior craftsmanship, an organic approach and a taste full of fruity notes - Kiangoi AA should definitely not be missing from your grinder.
- Altitude: 1600 - 1800 m above sea level.