Kii – SL28 & SL34

This coffee marks our first Kenyan release from the 2026 harvest, and from the first table we cupped it immediately stood out as everything we love about exceptional washed Kenya.

Produced at Kii Factory, one of three washing stations operated by the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, this coffee represents the work of thousands of smallholder farmers cultivating coffee across the hills of Kirinyaga. Established in 1953, the cooperative has built a reputation for producing some of Kenya's most celebrated coffees, thanks to its commitment to careful processing, quality and long term relationships with its members.

Surrounded by rich volcanic soils and sitting between 1,700 and 1,900 metres above sea level, Kii benefits from exceptional growing conditions that have made Kirinyaga synonymous with sweetness, clarity and vibrant acidity.

This is our first time working with Kii Factory and the Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, and we couldn't think of a better introduction to a partnership we hope will continue for many harvests to come.

This lot is produced from SL28 and SL34, two of Kenya's most iconic coffee varieties, celebrated for their remarkable sweetness, vibrant acidity and layered fruit character. Grown on the fertile slopes surrounding Kii Factory, the combination of high altitude, volcanic soils and meticulous washed processing creates a cup that feels both vivid and effortlessly elegant.

Only fully ripe cherries are hand harvested before being delivered to Kii Factory, where they are pulped and graded by density, ensuring only the highest quality cherries continue through processing. Following fermentation and washing, the parchment is soaked in clean water before being transferred to raised drying beds. The coffee is first spread in thin layers before drying slowly over several days, preserving clarity, sweetness and structure throughout the cup.

This particular lot is graded AA, representing the largest bean size selected during milling. While size alone is not an indicator of quality, AA lots are prized for their consistency and beautifully expressive cup profiles.

In the cup, expect grapefruit, lavender and rainier cherry. Wild honey sweetness forms the foundation of the profile, lifted by bright floral citrus acidity and a rich, coating mouthfeel. The finish is long and elegant, carrying a delicate caramel-like sweetness that lingers beautifully.

This is everything we love about exceptional Kenyan coffee: vibrant, transparent and unmistakably expressive. It is a wonderful introduction to our relationship with Kii Factory, and one we are incredibly proud to share.