Kenya Karimikui AA Washed

TASTING NOTES

Red Wine Sangria - Rhubarb - Currant

From the fertile volcanic slopes of Mount Kenya, Karimikui AA is a beautifully expressive washed coffee produced by smallholder farmers belonging to the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society.

Bursting with juicy red fruit character, this vibrant Kenyan reminds us of red wine sangria, with concentrated currant sweetness and a bright, tangy rhubarb finish. A lively, layered cup with the clarity and intensity we love in exceptional Kenyan coffees.

VARIETAL SL28, SL34, Batian, Ruiru 11
PROCESS Kenyan Washed
ALTITUDE 1600 - 1750 m.a.s.l.
PRODUCER Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society Karimikui Washing Station
ORIGIN Ngariama, Kirinyaga County
ROAST Filter
Adding to Cart Added to Cart

Pickup currently unavailable at The Roastery

meet the producer

Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society

Situated in the Ngariama area of Kirinyaga County, Karimikui is one of three washing stations operated by the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, established in 1997.

The station works with approximately 600 smallholder farmers cultivating coffee at elevations of 1,600–1,750 metres above sea level. The fertile red volcanic soils of Mount Kenya, combined with the region's favourable growing conditions, provide an excellent environment for producing high-quality coffee.

Farmers typically grow SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11 and Batian alongside bananas, maize and shade trees such as macadamia and grevillea. These diverse plots support a balanced agricultural ecosystem.

Through the cooperative, members also benefit from social welfare initiatives and access to credit for farm inputs and education.

Careful cherry selection, traditional washed processing and meticulous drying contribute to the clarity, sweetness and vibrant fruit character for which coffees from Karimikui are known.

the process

Kenyan Washed

Kenya’s traditional washed process is renowned for producing exceptionally clean and vibrant coffees. It allows the distinctive character of the coffee and its origin to shine.

Harvest & Sorting

Ripe coffee cherries are handpicked by local smallholder farmers and delivered to Karimikui Washing Station. On arrival, the cherries are carefully hand-sorted to remove underripe, overripe or damaged fruit before processing begins.

Pulping & Fermentation

The selected cherries are pulped to remove their outer skin and fruit before undergoing overnight fermentation in concrete tanks. This allows the remaining mucilage to break down in preparation for washing.

Washing & Soaking

Following fermentation, the coffee is thoroughly washed and graded by density through clean water channels. The parchment then undergoes a final soak before being transferred to the drying beds.

Slow Drying

The washed parchment is spread across raised African drying beds for approximately 7–15 days. Throughout drying, the coffee is regularly turned and sorted to encourage even moisture reduction, with protective coverings used overnight and during periods of intense sunlight. Once dried, the coffee is prepared for export.

why we chose this coffee

Red, Juicy & Ridiculously Good

There's something special about a great washed Kenyan coffee, and Karimikui delivers exactly the kind of vibrant, expressive cup we're always looking for.

What caught our attention was its remarkable red fruit character. Think red wine sangria, juicy currants and the distinctive tang of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a beautifully clean, structured cup.

We love coffees that combine intensity with clarity, and Karimikui has both in abundance. It's a wonderful showcase of the quality coming from Kirinyaga and the meticulous work of the farmers and producers behind it.