Produced from coffee trees of the revered Bourbon-derived SL 28 and SL 34 varieties of Arabica, as well as the hybrid Ruiri 11 variety, the Kenya Thunguri features a deeply resonant and complex cup. Inviting vanilla, brown sugar and molasses contrast with lemony acidity for a syrupy body and clean, memorable finish. Universally regarded as one of the finest coffee origins in the world, Kenya has delivered another classic and truly delicious coffee in the Thunguri AA.
Grown by smallholders organized around the Thunguri factory (wet mill) in Nyeri County, Kenya, this coffee is produced through the Rumukia Farmers' Cooperative, a member of the Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exports (KCCE). The KCCE is a vast farmer-owned network that ensures greater traceability and better profit margins for farmers than the traditional auction coffees.
Farmers cultivate roughly 250 coffee trees on half-acre plots. The Rumukia Farmers' Cooperative works in support of these farmers to receive and process cherry. Additionally, the staff relies on a sample roaster and cupping lab to provide quality feedback to growers. If any variation in the visual aspect, odor or moisture of the coffee is noted, the staff is able to offer corrective advice immediately to co-op members.
The town of Thunguri lies just over the border inside Kirinyaga County, a mile or so from the Nyeri border. Four of Kenya's counties--Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Meru--converge at the peak of Mt. Kenya, Africa's second highest peak after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Each of the four counties is recognized for growing some of the country's most celebrated coffee.
ORIGIN INFORMATION
Grower: Smallholder farming families organized around Rumukia FCS's Thunguri Coffee Factory
Variety: SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian
Region: Thunguri, Kirinyaga, Kenya
Harvest: October - December
Altitude: 1650 - 1900 masl
Soil: Volcanic loam
Process: Fully washed after pulping and fermenting, then soaked in clean water and dried on raised beds.
