Nestled on the slopes of Mount Kenya, members of the Gakundu Farmers’ Cooperative Society grow typical Kenyan varieties, SL-28, Ruiru 11, and Batian, at altitudes exceeding 1,600 meters above sea level. The deep red volcanic soils and cool mountain air, combined with meticulous handpicking and processing, produce coffees of clarity and complexity. High-quality washed coffees from Kenya, like this one, are always a highlight here at Cape Coffee Beans. 

This lot is graded AA. Other than the peaberry (PB),  AA coffee lots—the largest screen-grading size—often fetch the highest prices at auction and are sought-after the world over because of their flavour potential. Rosetta has roasted this Kenyan coffee in their Progressive style to accentuate the characteristics that Kenyan coffees are known for such as bright acidities and sweet fruity flavours.

Phaedon's tasting notes

This year seems to be a year of nostalgia for me when it comes to high-quality African specialty coffees. I've welcomed the return of washed coffees with flavour profiles that remind me of the lots I used to enjoy in the early days of CCB. This Kenyan AA is just such a lot.

In the cup, this coffee has all the classic Kenyan characteristics: a big body, a bright acidity, and a juicy mouthfeel. It reminded me of red berries and in some cups, even wine gums. To me, it's an archetypal Kenyan washed coffee, and that is something that I think every coffee lover should enjoy.

Rosetta’s Notes

Style: Classic
Flavour: Bright & juicy, ripe fig, cranberry, brûléed sugar

“With its elegant acidity and pronounced sweetness, Gakundu AA reveals its finest expression through filter brewing. We begin the roast with a medium charge temperature and maintain high gas throughout the roast to ensure even heat transfer through the dense AA beans. By keeping post–first crack development short, we preserve this coffee’s juicy fruit character and crisp, clean finish - showcasing layered notes of bright citrus, cranberry, and ripe fig, with a refined, balanced structure.”

Coffee details from Rosetta

“On the mountain slopes of Mount Kenya, over 1200 smallholder farmers shape the distinct character of this Gakundu AA lot. Produced at the Gakundu Factory in Embu County, this washed coffee is grown at 1650m ASL in rich volcanic soil and crafted with care. Each ripe cherry is handpicked, sorted, pulped, fermented, and sun-dried on raised beds. With support from Coffee Management Services, farmers receive training, pre-financing, and tools for sustainable growth. The result is a bright, layered cup that captures both the craftsmanship and community spirit behind Kenya’s celebrated coffees.”

• Altitude: 1650m ASL
• Processing: Washed
• Variety: SL28, Ruiru 11, and Batian
• Harvest: 2025
• Region: Ngandori West, Embu County,
• Country: Kenya
• Producer: Gakundu Coffee Factory of Gakundu Farmers’ Cooperative Society