Kiangoi factory is one of three secondary processing units that form the larger Rung’eto FCS Society. The farmer small holdings that supply this factory are spread around the town of Ngariama, in Embu County, almost directly south of the imposing Mount Kenya. As is common throughout Kenya, most producers in the co-operative own a few hundred coffee trees and they deliver ripe red cherry from these trees into a central co-operative washing station, like Kiangoi, for further processing.
Whilst the neighbouring county, Nyeri, has developed an enviable reputation over the years for producing stellar coffees, legal battles in 2014 have meant that Nyeri coffees are almost impossible to source. Forced to search elsewhere for great coffees, we have been reminded at Artisan Roast that there are absolute gems to be found in other parts of Kenya. This lot from Kiangoi is one of these gems and it has an intensity of flavour and complexity of acidity that truly sparkles.
We have roasted this coffee light to preserve the intense citric and apple like acidity. Flavours are many - for us the stand out ones are fresh zesty lemons, blackcurrant, cranberry and a sweet, syrupy tangerine finish. This sweetness is a standout feature of the Kiangoi, and this is due in part to this being a peaberry selection from the factory. Peaberries are essentially an aborted seed on the coffee tree but often yield a cup profile with more balance than the standard grades. This is particularly true of Kenya where the higher perceived sweetness brings the acidity into harmony.
Whilst the neighbouring county, Nyeri, has developed an enviable reputation over the years for producing stellar coffees, legal battles in 2014 have meant that Nyeri coffees are almost impossible to source. Forced to search elsewhere for great coffees, we have been reminded at Artisan Roast that there are absolute gems to be found in other parts of Kenya. This lot from Kiangoi is one of these gems and it has an intensity of flavour and complexity of acidity that truly sparkles.
We have roasted this coffee light to preserve the intense citric and apple like acidity. Flavours are many - for us the stand out ones are fresh zesty lemons, blackcurrant, cranberry and a sweet, syrupy tangerine finish. This sweetness is a standout feature of the Kiangoi, and this is due in part to this being a peaberry selection from the factory. Peaberries are essentially an aborted seed on the coffee tree but often yield a cup profile with more balance than the standard grades. This is particularly true of Kenya where the higher perceived sweetness brings the acidity into harmony.
Altitude: 1600 - 1700m asl
Farm/Coop: Approx. 950 Kiangoi Co-operative members
Great for: Aeropress, Cafetiere, Filter
Origin: Africa/Kenya - Ngariama Town, Kirinyaga East District, Central Province
Process Method: Washed
Varietals: Bourbon SL28 and Bourbon SL34