Kenyan specialty coffees are among the most sought-after lots on the planet. This reputation dates back to the 1930s when Scott Agricultural Laboratories developed iconic Arabica varieties like SL28 and SL34. Today, these and other Kenyan cultivars are celebrated globally for their intense complexity and vibrant, fruit-forward flavours.

Across Kirinyaga County, which shares a border with the equally famous coffee-growing region of Nyeri, altitudes soar between 1,800 and 2,000 metres above sea level. Here, warm days and cool mountain nights naturally promote the slow maturation of the coffee cherries. This unique terroir contributes directly to the distinct characteristics that set Kenyan coffee apart.

Expertly roasted by our partners, Rosetta, this washed Kenyan coffee comes from hand-picked harvests of SL28, SL34, Batian, and Ruiru 11 varieties. After being transported to the Kabingara Factory, cherries are visually sorted and floated to ensure only dense, ripe cherries are used. After being pulped and fermented, this coffee was fully washed using the traditional wet process and laid to dry on raised metal beds. Owned and operated by the Karithathi Farmers' Cooperative Society, Kabingara is known for meticulous sorting at every stage.

Rosetta's notes

Style: Progressive
Flavour: Bold, hibiscus, red berry, lingering treacle

“A moderately high charge temperature sets the foundation for this roast, easing into a more controlled drying phase to ensure consistency across the AB screen size range.

“As first crack nears, heat is reduced to encourage a smooth progression into development. A short post–first crack phase helps lock in and preserve the coffee’s bright, expressive fruit character while highlighting a pronounced, layered sweetness that carries through the cup. Clarity, brightness, and sweetness sit at the core of this Kabingara AB lot, and it finds its best expression in filter brewing.”

Coffee details from Rosetta

“Located in central Kenya, Kirinyaga County sits between Nyeri and Embu and is one of the country’s most established coffee-producing regions.

“Kabingara Factory forms part of the Karithathi Farmers’ Cooperative Society. It runs two washing stations and supports over 4,000 smallholder members, producing coffees known for their high calibre and consistency. Across both stations, quality is maintained through standardised processing, while factory managers rotate every two years to share knowledge and strengthen alignment across the system. Our sourcing partners have been purchasing from Kabingara since 2015, fostering a long-standing relationship built on consistency and trust.”

• Altitude: 1,800 - 2,000m ASL
• Processing: Washed
• Variety: Batian, SL-28, SL-34, & Ruiru 11
• Harvest: 2025
• Region: Kirinyaga
• Country: Kenya
• Producer: Smallholder farmers of the Kabingara Factory