Kaliluni AA, Washed | Kenya

Details:

• Origin: Machakos County, Kenya

• Producer: Kaliluni Farmer Cooperative Society (via Kaliluni Factory) — smallholders with cooperative support

• Varieties: SL‑28, SL‑34, Batian, Ruiru 11

• Process: Washed

• Grade/Sort: AA

• Elevation: ~1,700–1,900 m above sea level (typical for Kaliluni region coffees)

• Roast Level: Light / filter‑focused

• Bag Size: 250 g

• Tasting Notes: Peach 🍑 • Apricot 🍑 • Berries 🫐

Intro:

Prodigal is excited to introduce Kaliluni AA — Kenya, Washed, a vibrant and meticulously processed Kenyan single‑origin coffee with classic bright acidity and expressive fruit character. Sourced from the Kaliluni Farmer Cooperative Society and brought to Prodigal’s roster fresh from the harvest, this AA‑graded Kenyan coffee brings crisp peach 🍑, apricot 🍑, and berries 🫐 notes to the forefront — encapsulating the lively, juicy style that Kenyan coffees are celebrated for.

The Producer:

Kaliluni coffee arrives via the Kaliluni Farmer Cooperative Society, where approximately 1,600+ smallholder farmers supply their ripe cherry to the Kaliluni Factory in Machakos County, Kenya. These farmers cultivate a mix of renowned Kenyan varietals — including SL‑28, SL‑34, Batian, and Ruiru 11 — on high‑altitude volcanic soils that contribute to excellent bean development. The cooperative is part of the broader Machakos Cooperative Union, which provides access to milling support, training, and community resources that help elevate quality and consistency.

The Process:

Kaliluni AA is processed with Kenya’s classic washed method, which emphasizes cleanliness and clarity in the cup. Cherry is hand‑picked and delivered the same day to the washing station, where rigorous sorting ensures only the best ripe cherry is accepted. The coffee is pulped and fermented for around 16–18 hours, just long enough to break down mucilage without introducing unwanted flavors. After fermentation, the coffee is thoroughly washed and dried before being graded, milled, and exported. This meticulous approach helps preserve the bright acidity and pure fruit notes Kenyan coffees are loved for.

The Cup:

In the cup, Kaliluni AA delivers a clean, lively profile with bright and juicy fruit forwardness. You’ll notice ripe peach 🍑 and apricot 🍑 sweetness harmonizing with deeper berry 🫐 undertones, all supported by a crisp acidity that dances across the palate. The finish is clean and refreshing.

Overall:

Prodigal’s Kaliluni AA — Kenya, Washed is a stunning example of Kenyan AA coffee at its best — expressive, balanced, and bursting with bright fruit character. From the cooperative’s careful processing to Prodigal’s thoughtful roast, this coffee highlights why Kenya continues to be revered in the specialty coffee world. Whether you’re a long time fan of Kenyan profiles or exploring them for the first time, this lot offers a joyful, juicy, and deeply morish cup!

What is the roast recency?

Prodigal’s published guidance recommends 3–4 weeks of rest after roasting. See Rest guidance for the selected batch’s current status.

What does 'Filter' or 'Espresso' Roast mean?

Typically filter is roasted lighter than espresso, though this is not always the case. Several factors play into what brands a Prodigal coffee as 'filter' or 'espresso', which includes the roast profile - i.e. how the beans are roasted, not just how developed a roast it is. It doesn't preclude you from using the beans for espresso though!