Kenya — Othaya Farmers Cooperative "Ushirika" SL28, SL34, Batian & Ruiru 11 (Washed)

Tastes Like — 🍎 Baked Apple • 🍊 Orange Zest • 🌴 Date • 🍫 Milk Chocolate

DETAILS

• Producer: Othaya Farmers Cooperative (various smallholders)
• Region: Nyeri, Kenya
• Varietal: SL28, SL34, Batian & Ruiru 11
• Process: Washed
• Elevation: 1,600–1,900 masl

INTRO
Too often, Kenyan coffee is reduced to one profile: high acidity, currant, molasses-like sweetness, and the occasional tomato. Ushirika may be the most intriguing variation yet, because it tastes a lot like a washed Colombian coffee, with lower acidity than the typical Kenyan cup while highlighting sweetness. A crushable, approachable cup, the perfect complement to a cozy fall morning. In the cup: baked apple, orange zest, date, and milk chocolate.

THE PRODUCER
This coffee comes from the Othaya Farmers Cooperative in Nyeri, from various smallholder farms at 1,600–1,900 masl, growing SL28, SL34, Batian, and Ruiru 11. Black & White has found a tremendous range in the Kenyan coffees sourced over the past two years, and this one's intrigue comes not from a novel variety or processing innovation but from its unexpectedly Colombian-like character.

THE PROCESS
The coffee undergoes the washed process typical of Kenyan production. Pulped and placed in a basin, it ferments underwater for approximately 24 hours before being rinsed, ferments dry for 24 hours, then is submerged again for another 24 hours. It is rinsed once more and dried until the optimal moisture content is achieved.

The alternating wet-dry-wet fermentation over about 72 hours is the defining step. It's what keeps the acidity surprisingly low and builds the sweetness behind the date and milk chocolate character.

THE CUP
Approachable, sweet, and easy to drink: date and milk chocolate lead, with a low acidity reminiscent of orange zest, and a cooked, cozy fruit character like baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon.

Flavour Notes
🍎 Baked Apple 🍊 Orange Zest 🌴 Date 🍫 Milk Chocolate