Kenya is an enigma. It occupies a top spot in specialty coffee--Kenyan top lots are always amongst the most expensive of any harvest. But yet it’s a country where coffee production is dropping year over year. Kenya is a place where traceability is given, but knowing what you want and how to get it are two different things. Finding an importer that can navigate producer and partner loyalties is vital in procuring a top scoring lot. That is why we are very grateful to Crop to Cup Importers for making life easier for us. Kenya’s unique auction system, where all the coffees are bought and sold adds an additional layer to their diverse coffee economy. Once we start talking about marketing agents and auction systems we are now speaking the language of coffee in Kenya--this is a country that already knows how to coffee.
Kenya is a country where history comes to life in the form of coffee, and this year’s offering is no different. In 1944 the colonial government acquired Jacaranda Estate to establish a Coffee Research Station. In 1949 the government acquired the Rukera Farm that lies adjacent to Jacaranda. In the mid 60’s the two farms were transitioned over to the Independent Republic of Kenya and the research station is now known as the Coffee Research Institute. The CRI now uses the two farms as demonstration farms and uses their production to generate revenue to support research. The institute conducts research in all areas of production, processing and marketing.
This year’s offering is from the Rukera Farm. During harvest season, the farm’s staff swells from 5 to 300. Cherries are pulped then fermented in tanks for 12-48 hours before washing through grading channels. Then the cherries are dried on raised beds for 7-14 days with regular turning to ensure an even drying process. The varietals on the farm include the well known SL28, SL34 and newer ones like K7, and Ruiru 11. Our lot is a blend of all of these varietals. The result is a classic Kenyan profile, with sparkling acidity and big sweetness. We are thrilled to be offering this delicious coffee as well helping promote coffee research in Kenya!
REGION: NYERI / FARM: RUKERA
FARMER: COFFEE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
ALTITUDE: 1600-1700 MASL
VARIETALS: SL 28, SL 34, K7, RUIRU 11