Gakuyu-Ini AA

Producer: Thirikwa Farmers Cooperative

Country, Region: Kenya, Kirinyaga

Variety: SL28 & SL34, some

Elevation: 1700 - 1900 masl

Process: Washed and dried on raised beds

The Barn Berlin Coffee Roasters - May 2021 Release

This Kenyan offers an interesting profile. The first burst of aromatics and flavor reminds me of kumquats with a tropical fruit juiciness. The coffee is clean, light, bright while floral notes come and go. As it cools other flavor notes emerge - fresh blackberry, plum juice and an aftertaste that packs a punch. There’s a hint of cedar too in the background. The mouthfeel is smooth and pleasant. Overall it is well-balanced and complex and worthy of your consideration.

Notes: What does AA mean? Screen sizing in Kenya

The AA, AB and other grades used to classify lots in Kenya are an indication of screen size only. They are not any indication of cup quality. The AA grade in Kenya is equivalent to screen size 17 or 18 (17/64 or 18/64 of an inch) used at other origins. AA grades often command higher prices at auction though this grade is no indication of cup quality and an AB lot from a better farm may cup better. https://www.coffeehunter.com/the-coffee/gakuyi-ini-aa/

About the variety Ruiru 11. In addition to the SL28 and SL34 that are almost ubiquitous around Kenya, this lot contains some Ruiru 11, named for the station at Ruiru, Kenya where it was developed in the '70s and released in 1986. The variety is slowly becoming more widespread in the region due to their resistance to Coffee Berry Disease and Coffee Leaf Rust and has been backcrossed with SL28 and SL34 to ensure high cup quality. https://www.coffeehunter.com/the-coffee/gakuyi-ini-aa/