The main Kenya crop has finished and the auctions are winding down. The overall crop volume in Kenya was on par with previous crop cycles, while the low C is affecting other origins the top Kenya lots are commanding a high premium.
We had the opportunity to visit a few of our favorite estates and coops while we were there. First stop was Makwa Estate in Kiambu County has over 95% of the farm land planted in SL28. With the iron rich soil, an expert agronomist and an irrigation system. The estate is meticulously maintained with lime added to bring up the PH, spraying minor elements (zinc, sulfur, copper) to help with plant health and seed development allowing the plantation to yield around 1200 kg clean coffee per ha. This is an impressive estate with cup quality to match! The next stop was Muranga County where we visited Kiriga Estate, this land has been in the same family since the 1950s and quality, environmental and social responsibility have been common practice from the start. Brian Gakunga the farm owner has always been focusing on quality and always trying innovative techniques. Brian uses the irrigation system when the unripe cherries reach a certain size to help increase bean size and density. He maintains a 10x10 planting layout and manually fertilizes 2 times a year. This hands on approach by Brian and his team has produced one of the most exquisite coffees we have found this season.
Over 3 days we cupped through hundreds of lots and have selected some top notch lots including one of our year after year favorites from the Kigutha Farmers Coop! These coffees are getting ready to head to each coast and have an ETA at the end of April. Contact us for lot info, cupping notes pricing or if you would like to book some forward.