Kenya Embu AA Kathakwa – Kibugu Farmers Co-op – Top Lot

Description

Grown on the Middle East side of Kenya’s top growing areas. Embu is a new region for us, cannot remember even having one pass us on the sample table but couldn’t help grabbing a couple bags of this lovely coffee when it appeared.  Clean, rich and a bit sweeter, on the milder side for Kenya, a beautiful screen. This cup is a great deal for a lovely Kenyan AA.

Tasting Notes: Although milder for a Kenya, this cup still packs a punch comparatively to many Central or South American coffees. Lighter roasts will show some decent lemony acidity, slight spice and soft fruit notes along with hints of a chocolaty undertone. Medium roasts bring the cup more into a nice balance building the chocolaty factor and reducing a bit of acidity. Darker roasts get a little bitter. This cup presents best when roasted up to just touching 2nd crack or lighter.

Roasting Notes: Like most stand-up lots, this coffee holds the lighter roasts very nicely but will have strong acidity – light roasts will only be for those who love the Kenyan acidity. As you slow down the roast or push it more to the medium mark, the cup balances out better yet still provides an exotic cup with clearly present acidity. The brighter tones will burn out around 2nd crack but the potency of the cup will only increase into the dark roasts.

*Brewing note – Kenyans like these can be very potent cups.  For many, scaling back the amount of coffee grounds you use can provide a much more drinkable cup where more identifiable flavors can be found.