Kenya Kaguyu AA TOP Washed

Region: Kerugoya, Kirinyaga
Altitude: 1,700 – 1,800 masl
Process: Washed
Plant Varietal: SL28, SL34
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, Plum, Apple

Kaguyu is a washing station or factory (as they are commonly called in Kenya), located near Kerugoya town in the Ndia division of Kirinyaga county in Kenya. The county is lying on the slopes of the amazing ice peaked Mount Kenya.

Kaguyu has an altitude of 1750-1800 masl, enjoying two distinct wet seasons. An annual average rainfall of more than 1500 mm is recorded in this county. The region’s soil is enriched with organic matter due to its deep volcanic red soils.

Kaguyu factory belongs to the Inoi FCS, comprising of 11 factories. The cooperative grows coffee in total area of 200 hectares, with an annual production of 250,000 kgs of green coffee. The coop has 1000 active members, growing an average of 200-300 trees on each farm.

Coffee cherries are selectively hand picked and brought to the factory for processing. The coffees are processed with fully washed with double fermentation method. The factory’s water comes from the Rutui river, where the soaking pits in the factory recycle the water. After pulping, the coffee is dry fermented overnight, before it’s washed in grading channels, then soaked for 24-48 hours in clean water and finally spread out on raised beds for defect selection and sun drying.

Farmers from this area also grow tea, bananas, and corn in their farms, under the shade provided by macadamia, eucalyptus, and grevillea trees.