Release #5: Karagoto AA 2018

A stunning Nyeri profile, this 2018 AA lot from the famed Karagoto factory possesses intense sweetness and acidity. Hallmarks of Nyeri coffee, the aroma has distinct black currant and baking spice that are also found in the cup which cools to reveal raspberry and citrus notes.

When we retired this Reserve Lot favorite from the menu last year, a tiny amount was saved in deep freeze storage for future enjoyment. As we near the peak of a beautiful autumn here in Lancaster, we couldn’t be more pleased to offer one last taste of this memorable coffee!

The Tekangu farmer’s cooperative society operates three factories (in Kenya, washing stations are usually referred to as “factories”) near the town of Karatina in the storied coffee producing region of Nyeri. The three Tekangu factories: Tegu, Ngunguru, and Karagoto have earned a notable reputation in recent years for being the source of highly sought-after Kenyan coffees thanks to excellent processing approaches and strategic reinvestment of earnings to support cooperative members with more effective agronomic practices.

SL28 and SL34 are among the most highly regarded of East African varieties for their ability to produce excellent cup quality. SL varieties derive their name from Scott Agricultural Laboratories, who, during a four year period from 1935-1939, made single tree selections from various origins to study for yield, quality, and drought and disease resistance. The fairly ubiquitous SL28 and SL34 varieties grown throughout Kenya today are arguably the most famous varieties from this research, which initially included forty-two trees.