LIGHT-MEDIUM ROAST

Notes: Tropical stone fruit, black tea, caramel
Region: Kirinyaga, Kenya (SL28 and SL34)
Altitude: 1,500 masl
Process: Double-washed, sun-dried on raised beds

This roast is our take on the "Take the A Train" classic composition made famous by Duke Ellington. AA is the highest tier of coffee produced in Kenya, and AA beans are regarded for their “big band” feel with a light body, bright mouthfeel, and intense floral taste. Like the music of Duke, and the famous NYC train line—this coffee will take you on a ride that’s unique and delightful.

Origin Story

Kiri Factory is run by Ngiriambu Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS). Members of Ngiriambu FCS cultivate SL28 and SL34 varieties on small coffee gardens that are typically less than 1 hectare. Over 3,555 members deliver cherry to the station, and the Ngiriambu Factory takes every action to preserve the exceptional quality of the cherry.

Farmers delivering to Kiri cultivate primarily SL28 and SL34 in small coffee gardens that are, on average, smaller than 1 hectares, selectively handpicking ripe cherry to deliver to the Kiri Factory. At intake, the Cherry Clerk oversee meticulous visual sorting and floating, accepting only dense, ripe cherry.

After intake, cherry is pulped and fermented for approximately 24 to 36 hours. Following fermentation, coffee is washed in clean water and soaked for 24 hours. Then, parchment is laid to dry on raised beds, with workers raking parchment frequently to ensure even drying. They cover drying parchment during the hottest time of the day to maintain slow even drying, and at night to shelter parchment from moisture. It takes approximately 20 days for parchment to dry.