Kenya Premium Kirinyaga – BCT Select AA – Top Lot

Burman Coffee Traders

Details

Origin

Kenya

Process

Washed

Roast Suitability

Description

In 2024 I finally put feet on the ground in Kenya and I finally understood what makes Kirinyaga (and Kenya as a whole) coffee so special. Much of Kenyan coffee is produced in more arid regions. As you get a little father away from Mt Kenya, the climate dried up quickly. Kirinyaga is one of the most lush environments in Kenya, quite jungle like and as many know, good rainfall and plenty of shade often makes the tastiest cup. Growing the coffee is only half the battle to producing stellar coffee. What separates Kenya for most other producing nations is the way it organizes farmers into Farmer Cooperative Societies (FCS), basically every farmer, large or small, is connected to internal infostructure that gives them the support, knowledge and tools to grow the best coffee. These FCS’s are all locally owned, organized and run, letting them adopt to their microclimates and individual needs. The last part, and equally as important but a little highly debated if good or bad, is the finally step in coffee production, the dry milling and auction system. Almost all Kenya coffees funnels through three processors, only one being owned by the Kenyans themselves. The good behind this, Kenya dry mills have some of the most impressive technology and facilities to produce absolutely stellar lots. In my travels I have never seen processing centers like they have in Kenya. One never sees bad export lots basically every lot is a gem. The bad, they are mostly foreign controlled and the FCS’s must use one of the three to end up with a final product. There are good laws in place to protect the farmers, but they have very little choice on how to finalize the processing and export the coffee. Tasting Notes: A very clean and bright cup, silky-smooth mouthfeel that shines from the first whiff of honey sweetness to the final sip of bolder spice. Best served at light-to-medium roasts. A brighter, full flavored cup with great depth of flavor. Upon first sip, one will see a vibrant burst of lemon/