This is a classic Kenyan coffee from the region of Nyeri: exceptionally clean, vibrant and complex. Coffees from this washing station have historically been amongst some of the very best. In this cup we find red currant, lively acidity, and hibiscus.
SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian
Nyeri
1,720 masl
December, 2021
Hand picked at peak ripeness. Hand sorted to ensure only the very best cherries are selected. Pulped. Fermented overnight. Floated through channels to remove any remaining defects. Soaked and cleaned in fresh water. Dried on raised beds for 15 days while continuously being turned and hand sorted.
ABOUT GATHAITHI AA
Gathaithi Cooperative was registered in 2000, and currently has 1,656 active members. The cooperative is located on the mountain side of Mt. Kenya, at Gaki Location, Gathaithi sub-location, Tetu, sub-country, in Nyeri County. This particular selection comes from their 'later' or 'main' harvest, running from September through mid-January. The members of Gathaithi grow mostly SL28 and SL34, with a very small percentage of the hybrid varieties Ruiru 11 and Batian.
ABOUT SL28, SL34, RUIRU 11, & BATIAN
“SL” is in reference to single tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1935-1939. SL28 is of the Bourbon genetic group, and was selected for its drought resistance as well as its extremely high cup quality. SL28 is one of the most well-known and well-regarded varieties in Africa. It has consequently spread from Kenya to other parts of Africa as well as Central and South America. SL28 is non-hybrid, and very susceptible to disease.
Ruiru 11 is a Catimor hybrid that owes its existence to a coffee berry disease epidemic in 1968 that lead to the loss of 50% of Kenya’s production. The crisis sparked action. In the 1970s, the coffee research station at Ruiru—which gives Ruiru 11 its name—began an intensive breeding program of varieties that are immune to coffee berry disease, ultimately leading to the release of Ruiru 11 in 1985. Batian is resistant to both leaf rust and coffee berry disease. It was created via single-tree selections from fifth filial (F5) generations from the male parent of some Ruiru 11 progenies.
Batian is a composite variety, mixing three different pure line varieties. The varieties involved in the original crosses are: SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan, N39, K7, SL4 and the Timor Hybrid.
Pricing Details
Farm Gate (Local; Cherry)
119 KSH/KG
Farm Gate (USD; Cherry)
~$2.49/KG
FOB
$11.01/KG
FOT
$12.28/KG
The cost of getting a coffee from cherry to beverage varies enormously depending on its place of origin and the location of its consumption. The inclusion of price transparency is a starting point to inform broader conversation around the true costs of production and the sustainability of specialty coffee as a whole.