Description
Sitting at ~1,900 metres above sea level, the Thiriku Cooperative's wet mill is one of the highest in the very famous Nyeri region of Kenya thatproduces many of the best Kenyan coffees that we enjoy here in South Africa and the world over.The wet mill serves more than 2,000 smallholder farmers in the surrounding area and is managed by a democratically elected board of representatives among them.
The highaltitude and relatively cool temperatures lead to slower ripening and fermentation, which, when well-managed (as in this case), help to produce a particularly high quality of coffee in the cup. The coffee cherries are hand-sorted before being processed, ensuring that only ripe cherries make it into the final lots.
One interesting thing about this particular coffee is that it was not fermented at all. Typically fermentation is used to assist in the removal of the seed from the fruit, but in this instance it was done with a mechanical pulper. When comparing this to some of Origin's other Kenyan offerings, it is reflected in a slightly less acidic profile, as well as a bit more body. On the other hand, the finish is perhaps a bit less elegant, but this is still a very tasty coffee and perhaps an even more interesting comparison.
On the nose, this coffee has a smell almost a bit like old-fashioned boiled sweets and this carries through into the taste that is reminiscent of dark berry hard candy, or even ribena. It has a bit of tang and zest, but the acidity is quite restrained and more malic than citric, providing a deeper sweet flavour. We'd highly recommend it in a siphon, Aeropress or pour-over.
Roaster's notes
Flavour:Cherry, Apple, Brandy, Baked Fruit
Body:Medium, Smooth
Roast:Light/Medium
Acidity:Moderate, Apple
At its best:Siphon, Aeropress
Coffee details
Farm:Thiriku Coffee Growers Cooperative Society
Owner: Various smallholders
Varietals:SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11
Processing:Wet processed& sun-dried
Altitude: 1,890 masl
Town/City:Nyeri
Region:Nyeri County, Central Kenya
Country:Kenya
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