KENYA | GICHATHAINI AA

TECHNICAL SHEET

Washing Station: Gichathaini Factory
Origin: Nyeri County, Kenya
Altitude: 1600–1900 m a.s.l.
Process: Washed
Species: Coffea arabica
Variety: SL28, SL34
Cup Score: 86

COFFEE STORY

From the highlands of Nyeri County, one of Kenya's most renowned coffee-growing regions, this washed coffee offers a vibrant and distinctive cup, with notes of blackcurrant, blueberry and tomato. Its lively acidity and complex aromatic character reflect the unique qualities of this celebrated coffee-growing region.

Nyeri's rich volcanic soils, abundant rainfall and favourable temperatures provide excellent conditions for coffee cultivation. Here, smallholder farmers grow coffee on small plots of land, carefully handpicking ripe cherries before delivering them to Gichathaini Factory for processing.

At the washing station, the cherries are depulped, fermented and washed before being dried in the sun on raised beds. This traditional Kenyan processing method helps preserve the clarity and complexity of the coffee's flavour profile.

The coffee brings together two of Kenya's most celebrated Arabica varieties, SL28 and SL34, both developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in the 1930s. These varieties are particularly appreciated for their expressive fruit character, bright acidity and remarkable cup quality.