Gakuyuini AA, Kenya 

Tasting notes: Pineapple, Blackberry, Passion Fruit

Elevation: 1600-1700 m

Variety: SL28, SL34

Process: Washed 

Region: Kirinyaga

Nestled in the fertile foothills of Mount Kenya, the Thirikwa Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) may seem unassuming at first; Operating a single factory, Gakuyu-ini, located in Kirinyaga County, this cooperative has made a remarkable impact with its record-breaking auction prices at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.

The Gakuyu-ini factory processes coffee cherries from 1,600 dedicated farmers, each tending to around 250 trees on small half-acre plots. These small, high-quality harvests allow for precise cherry classification, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected for processing. As a result, the cooperative has achieved prices for cherries up to 10 times the national average—setting new benchmarks for the Kenyan coffee industry.

The meticulous care doesn’t end with picking. At the factory, cherries undergo additional hand sorting and floating to remove underdeveloped beans before being depulped, fermented, and washed. After washing, the beans are soaked in fresh water for extended periods, enhancing the distinctive Kenyan cup profile. Finally, the beans are dried on raised beds for two weeks, carefully monitored for temperature and airflow to ensure optimal drying conditions.

Thirikwa FCS’s commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that every batch of coffee reflects the passion and dedication of its farmers, producing a cup that is truly exceptional.