Kenya Karimikui AA - washed SL28 & SL34

Karimikui is a well-known coffee factory that has been a part of the specialty coffee scene since its early days. Located in Ngairiama in the Gichugu division of Kirinyaga district, Central Province, Karimikui is one of three factories that make up the Rungeto Farmers Coop Society, along with Kiangoi and Kii.The region where Karimikui is situated has rich and fertile red volcanic soil at altitudes of 1700 to 1900 meters above sea level and receives between 1600 and 1900mm of rainfall annually.

The processing at the factory involves several stages. Initially, the coffee beans are pulped to separate the dense beans from the immature ‘mbuni’s (floaters) using a water floatation method. The denser beans settle and are sent through channels to the fermentation tank where they undergo the first stage of fermentation for about 24 hours. After this initial stage, the beans are washed and transferred to the secondary fermentation tank for another 12-24 hours. Once the soaking process is complete, the beans are spread out on drying tables in a thin layer to allow about 50% of the moisture to be quickly removed. This first stage of drying can take approximately 6 hours. The beans are then gathered and laid in thicker layers for the remaining 5-10 days of the drying.

Every year i am bigger fan of Kenyan coffees. Some roasters and barista say that best years for Kenyans are already gone and that coffees reached peak in 2105-2017 period. I was way to young to try it back then so for me Kenyans still taste delicious. I have tried many many samples this year from Kenya and this one was one of the best. Really like the acidity of Karimikui. Clean and crispy.