January's Release: "Karindundu AB"

Cupping Notes: Red Currant, Honey, Cocoa

Degree of Roast: Medium

Processed: Washed

Varietal: Batian, SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11

Altitude: 5,800ft.

Origin: Kenya, Nyeri Region, Karindundu Mill

January’s coffee of the month is from the Karindundu mill in Kenya’s Nyeri district. This factory is in the lowland region of Mt. Kenya, close to the town of Karatina where 513 active members contribute to annual production. Farmers grow macadamia, banana, maize, and beans near their coffee, a method known as intercropping and the inspiration for our label. After harvesting their coffee, farmers deliver it to Karindundu where the ripe cherries are de-pulped, fermented overnight, washed, and then placed on raised beds to dry.

In Kenya, most farmers own small plots between ⅛ to ¼ of a hectare. Producers rely on factories to process and sell their coffee. Once farmers deliver their cherries to the factory, they are mixed with other producers' coffee after it is weighed and sorted. Because of this, coffee is usually traceable down to the factory or mill level instead of the specific farmer. 

The Nyeri region where this coffee is from is located between Mt. Kenya and the Aberadare Mountains, a perfect geographic and climactic area for coffee production. We are picking up on notes of red currant, cocoa and honey. Hope you enjoy and Happy Brewing!