Description
Karimikui Factory is operated by the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, established in 1997 and currently serving 850 farmers. Located 9 kilometers north of Embu on the south slopes of Mt. Kenya, Karimikui processes cherries using fresh river water from the nearby Naymindi River. The red-volcanic soil and cool temperatures found at the high elevation (~1800 masl) are ideal for coffee growing. Sustainable practices adopted by this group include waste water soak pits and shade tree planting, alongside continuous education in crop husbandry. The management at this washing station also offer farmers advances to put toward fertilizer and as quality incentives.
Tasting Notes: A very clean, bright and balanced cup. Best at the light to medium roast levels. At lighter roasts; one will see sweet and strong citric tones comingling with chocolate and herbal darker notes, classic premium Kenya. As the cup sets up longer one can see some greater complexity pop out with hints of soft fruit, nutty and caramel like tones. Pushing into the medium roast levels, the thickness increases and the chocolate/herbal factor will be the dominate tone in the cup hiding much of the citric and floral. Hitting 2nd crack cuts out most of the citric and will turn the cup more bakers chocolate, increasing the strength, but loosing sweetness.
Roasting Notes: Peaberries are a bit denser & rounded beans. Slightly smaller beaned than most other Kenyan coffees. In air roasters, a small reduction of batch size can help with movement. A good screen of coffee and even roasting, medium chaff levels. If you’re a Kenya fan, keep this lighter. If you generally like Central or South American coffees, medium to borderline dark will be the way to go or the acidity might be overwhelming. Awesome cup, but you may want to play with brew strength, if the cup comes off too strong and extreme, try brewing it a little weaker to have many more delicate notes pop out.
Ron Lu (verified owner) –
Amazing cup of coffee from the top to finish! You guys have been my most trusted green coffee beans provider. Thank you so much!???