Kenya Kiamugumo

Kiamugumo sits in the community of Ngariama, on the slopes of Mount Kenya in Kirinyaga County. The county takes its name from the mountain: Kirinyaga means “white mountain” in Kikuyu, and the glacial melt that feeds the Kii River keeps the surrounding farms cool. Growers tend one or two hectares each under grevillea and macadamia shade, and carry ripe cherry a short walk down the trail to the factory (the local name for a cooperative wet mill). There it is depulped, fermented overnight, washed with water drawn from the river, and dried on raised beds for up to ten days. This AA lot, the largest screen size Kenya grades, is our first from the station.

We spent the season cupping Kenyas in search of the berry-forward brightness the origin is known for, and passed on several before this one landed on the table. It pours pomegranate and blood orange into a long black currant finish, with a saturated, juicy body that holds its shape as the cup cools. Fresh off the main harvest, it is a classic Kenya at full strength.