About

Kenya does washed coffee like nowhere else. More than 700,000 smallholders farm a hectare or two each and deliver their cherries to cooperative-run factories. Because farmers choose which wet mill to use, the factories compete on quality: a better cup means a better auction price, and better returns to the farmer. Githembe is one of three factories run by the Thiririka Farmers Cooperative Society, alongside Kiganjo and Ndundu. Around 1,500 active members grow SL28, SL34 and Batian in clay loam soils, picking from October to December. Cherries are pulped and washed at Githembe, then the parchment travels to Kiganjo for slow drying. This lot is graded AA, the largest and most prized of Kenya's grades, and it's a classic of the style: vibrant, tart acidity with a sweet sugary finish.