We're excited to offer our first Kenyan coffee of the season. This lot if from Kiambu County, a high-altitude region surrounding the Aberdare Mountain ranges. Each smallholder producer in this region grows only enough coffee to yield a few bags per year. After carefully harvesting, the coffee was delivered to Karartu Coffee Factory, a washing station and co-op originally established in 1965 that serves 800 members. The cooperative model allows growers to market and sell their coffee as a community. In Kenya, cooperatives are democratically run, with members acting as representatives of the governing board. 

Well-distributed bimodal rainfall, moderate temperatures, rich volcanic soil, carefully chosen shade trees and a well-managed washing station all contribute to making this a great coffee. After delivery to the station, the coffee is sorted, removing any under or overripe cherries and foreign material. They are then washed in clean water pumped from the nearby river before being laid on raised beds in the sun to dry. 

Our Kenya Karatu does not disappoint and displays the best of what Kenyan coffees have to offer. Look for deep, sweet fruit flavors of plum, black currant and concord grape balanced with a bright lemon acidity. Dial in by starting with a 1:16.5 brew ratio, filtered water at 208-210℉, a medium grind, and a 3-3.5 minute brew cycle.