Kenya — Gachatha Cooperative SL-28, SL-34 & Ruiru 11 (Washed)

Tastes Like — 🍑 Nectarine • 🍋 Key Lime • 🌹 Rosehip • 🌿 Thyme

DETAILS

• Producer: Gachatha Farmers' Cooperative Society (1,500+ smallholders)
• Factory: Gachatha
• Region: Nyeri, Kenya
• Varietal: SL-28, SL-34 & Ruiru 11
• Process: Washed
• Elevation: 1,800–2,100 masl

INTRO A classic expression of Nyeri from Gachatha Cooperative — the kind of stone fruit-forward profile this terroir has become known for. Ripe nectarine leads, followed by a sweet key lime acidity that adds brightness, with a gentle rosehip tartness and a delicate, sweet thyme floral lingering into the finish. In the cup: nectarine, key lime, rosehip, and thyme.

THE PRODUCER Established in 1963, the same year Kenya gained independence, Gachatha Factory has long been part of the country's coffee heritage. Originally operating under the Giant Tetu Farmers' Cooperative, it became independent in 1999 with the formation of the Gachatha Farmers' Cooperative Society. Today, the cooperative brings together more than 1,500 active smallholder farmers, each contributing carefully grown cherries from small plots of land, encouraged toward sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact while preserving quality.

THE PROCESS Handpicked cherries are delivered to the factory and sorted to remove defects before pulping. Still coated in mucilage, the beans ferment in concrete tanks for 12 to 24 hours depending on temperature, then are thoroughly washed in fresh water — with an additional soak of up to 24 hours during peak harvest, believed to enhance brightness and cleanliness. Drying takes place on raised beds, turned regularly for even moisture reduction, with careful sun and shade management, taking anywhere from 5 to 21 days depending on weather.

The extended peak-harvest soaking step is the defining detail here — it's what's believed to sharpen the key lime brightness and overall cleanliness that define this cup.

THE CUP Clean and layered — ripe nectarine opens the cup, followed by a sweet key lime acidity for brightness and definition. A gentle rosehip tartness adds complexity without taking over, and the finish carries a subtle, sweet thyme floral. Distinctly and recognisably Kenyan.

Flavour Notes 🍑 Nectarine 🍋 Key Lime 🌹 Rosehip 🌿 Thyme