Onyx Coffee - Kenya Gichangi Estate AA

GICHANGI ESTATE AA — KIRINYAGA, KENYA 

THE CUP

Elegant, layered, and quintessentially Kenyan. This single-estate microlot from Gichangi delivers bright citric acidity, crisp notes of applesauce, nutmeg and a juicy, structured mouthfeel that carries through the finish. The cup is full of clarity - lively and complex with a balance of fruit sweetness and refreshing brightness that reminds us why we return to this estate year after year.

THE ORIGIN

Producer: The Gichangi Family
Estate: Gichangi Estate
Region: Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Varieties: SL-28, SL-34, Ruiru11, Batian (AA Separation)
Altitude: ~1,800 masl
Process: Washed
Harvest: October 

THE PRODUCERS

Gichangi Estate is one of Kirinyaga’s most respected single estates, renowned for producing coffees that rival the complexity and structure of Kenya’s best cooperative lots. Established in 1955 by Stephen and Jane Gichangi, the estate began with small plantings of SL-28 and SL-34, varieties now synonymous with Kenya’s most expressive coffees.

Over time, the Gichangi family transformed their small farmstead into a multigenerational legacy. Since 1994, brothers Julius, Stanley, David, and Charles have taken stewardship of the land, continuing their parents’ meticulous approach to cultivation. Their focus on selective picking, careful fertilization, and consistent pruning has made Gichangi Estate a model of both quality and sustainability in Kenyan coffee production.

In 1998, the brothers made a pivotal investment by constructing an on-site micro-mill, allowing them to process their own harvests — a rare and defining advantage in Kenya’s coffee landscape. Today, this mill handles more than 30,000 kilograms of ripe red cherry annually, maintaining complete control over quality and consistency from tree to export.

THE PROCESS

Cherries are hand-picked at peak ripeness, depulped, and then fermented under water for 48–72 hours, depending on ambient temperature. The coffee is washed and graded by density, ensuring only the highest quality beans continue through the process. Finally, the parchment is sun-dried on raised beds for 14–21 days, with constant turning and shading during midday heat to preserve delicate aromatics.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Single-estate coffees from Kenya are rare — and few deliver this level of balance and refinement. It’s a vivid, fruit-driven Kenyan with clarity, sweetness, and texture that lingers.

Tastes Like: Applesauce, Grapefruit, Brown Sugar, Nutmeg

What is the roast recency?

Onyx recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 8-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.