Kayu AB - Washed | Kenya

Details:

• Origin: Kenya

• Region: Murang’a

• Producer/Station: Kayu AB

• Varietals: SL-28, SL-34, Batian, Ruiru 11

• Process: Washed

• Roast: Filter

• Bag Size: 250g

• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit 🍊 • Red currant 🍒 • Cane sugar 🍬

Intro:

Ilse introduces Kayu AB, a vibrant and structured washed Kenyan coffee from the highlands of Murang’a County. Known for producing layered, fruit-forward cups with dynamic acidity, this AB lot from the Kayu factory delivers everything you'd expect from a great Kenyan — bold citrus, complex red fruit, and a rounded sweetness that ties it all together. A must for lovers of sparkling, juicy filter coffees.

The Producer:

This lot comes from Kayu, a washing station (also known as a “factory”) situated in Murang’a, part of Kenya’s renowned central highlands. The region’s rich red volcanic soil, high elevations, and ample rainfall provide perfect conditions for slow cherry development. The contributing producers typically grow traditional Kenyan varietals — like SL-28 and SL-34, as well as Batian and Ruiru 11, which bring a mix of complexity, disease resistance, and cup quality. Kayu is part of a well-organized cooperative structure that emphasizes quality at every stage — from hand-picking to precise processing.

The Process:

This is a classic washed Kenyan process: ripe cherries are hand-sorted and depulped, then fermented to break down mucilage before undergoing multiple fresh water washes. After washing, the parchment coffee is dried slowly on raised beds under the sun. This meticulous process is what gives Kenyan coffees their signature vibrant acidity, clear structure, and articulate fruit notes.

The Cup:

In the cup, Kayu AB is a lively and articulate Kenyan — bright and juicy, yet balanced. Expect a citrusy grapefruit 🍊 zing to lead the way, followed by sweet, tart red currant 🍒 acidity that pops through the mid-palate. Underneath, a smooth cane sugar 🍬 sweetness provides structure and a clean finish. It’s a filter brew that’s both refreshing and intense — complex without overwhelming.

Overall:

Ilse’s Kayu AB offers a crisp, vibrant expression of Kenyan terroir, balancing zesty fruit with sweetness and structure. For those who seek the electric acidity and clarity that defines great washed Kenyan coffees, this lot delivers with style and precision. A perfect filter coffee for those who like their brews fruit-forward, clean, and full of acid energy.

What is the roast recency?

Ilse doesn't advertise a roast preference to Filter or Espresso, instead they are roasted for the best amongst both - often called Omniroast. That being said, Ilse typically roast light.

We 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.