Kenya - Kieni AA Lot 3 (Washed)

Name: Kieni AA

Country: Kenya

Region: Nyeri

Varietal: SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian

Process: Washed (Double Fermentation)

Elevation: 1,600 - 1,800 MASL

Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Black Tea, Fudge

Kieni AA is a standout offering from Kenya’s acclaimed Nyeri region, known globally for its intense sweetness, layered fruit character, and vibrant clarity. This particular lot is bursting with notes of grapefruit, black tea, and fudge balanced by juicy acidity and a long, syrupy finish. Juicy and complex, Kieni is a quintessential Kenyan coffee that consistently impresses with its brightness, structure, and depth.

Produced at the Kieni Factory, part of the Mugaga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, this coffee reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of roughly 900–1,000 smallholder farmers. Situated at elevations of 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level, the factory benefits from the region’s cool climate and fertile volcanic soils—ideal for cultivating high-quality Arabica. Many farmers also practice intercropping, planting bananas alongside coffee trees to enhance biodiversity and soil fertility

Processing & Harvest

Kieni is processed using Kenya’s renowned washed method with double fermentation, which enhances the coffee’s clarity, brightness, and distinctive fruit profile. The main harvest season runs from November to December, during which only fully ripe cherries are handpicked for processing.

After pulping, the coffee undergoes an initial dry fermentation to break down mucilage, followed by washing in clean channels and a second fermentation period. The beans are then graded by density, soaked, and sun-dried on raised beds, ensuring even drying and a clean, expressive cup.

Varieties

• SL28: Bred by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1931, SL28 is known for exceptional cup quality, drought resilience, and broad leaves with copper-tipped shoots.
• SL34: A high-yielding selection from French Mission Bourbon, SL34 features bronze-tipped leaves and is adaptable to varying rainfall conditions. Together, SL28 and SL34 account for 95% of coffee production

Kieni coffee, a Kenyan specialty coffee, is known for its bright, clean cup profile with a high acidity and a sweet, fruity flavor profile. It's characterized by notes of black currant, redcurrant, and sometimes citrus or floral aromas. The cupping process reveals a unique acidity that's not as sweet as some other Kenyan coffees, but offers a more defined and lush acidity.

Enjoy $5 flat rate shipping on your whole order. We still offer free local Redding area pickup.

Please note: We roast to order three times a week. Your order will ship as promptly as possible, with the freshest roast possible. You will receive a notification when your order has been shipped.

If you have any questions, please contact us at  orders@theorycoffee.com