Kenya AA Kevote

About Kenya AA Kevote

First 2019 new crop Kenya arrival, a lovely lot in short supply.

Farmers in Kirurumwe Farmers' Cooperative Society planted their first coffee trees in 1950. The Kevote factory was started in 1957 by a group of 100 farmers. Currently, the Coop has 3 wet mills: Kevote, Kianjuki and Ngaindethia with a total membership of 4500 members and is located within Makengi location of Runyenjes sub-county, in Embu County on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya about 150km north of Nairobi City.

The Coop is managed by a board consisting of 5 members elected democratically during annual general meetings. Leadership of the mills is determined by the number of farms who deliver to the mill. Each of the first two wet mills are represented by 2 committee members and the third one by one board member.

Ripe cherries awaiting processing

Currently the Coop has 18 permanent members of staff who are headed by a Secretary Manager. The Secretary Manager oversees the day to day running of the Coop under the supervision of the board. The Society contracts an average of 20 casual workers during the peak season each year. The 3 wet mills in the coop have an active membership of 2,600 and about 2,000 non-operating farmers.

Depulping machine to remove skin from cherries

The coffees of the Kirurumwe FCS undergo traditional Kenya processing. Farmers selectively hand pick red ripe cherries that are delivered for wet milling the same day. The parchment is then fermented, washed and sun dried. Dry parchment is milled and bagged at Highlands Coffee mills and then transported to green coffee warehouses in Nairobi. The Coffee is then sold either through the Nairobi Central Auction or directly to overseas buyers.

Drying tables at the washing station

Other direct Kenya imports are due to arrive by sea in the coming weeks.

• Wet Mill:Kevote Coffee Factory
• Mill Owner:Kirurumwe Farmers Cooperative Society Limited
• Region:Makengi, Runyenjes, Embu, Kenya
• Elevation:1400 - 1600 meters; 4600 - 5250 feet
• Variety:SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian
• Process:Fully Washed

Cup Characteristics: Bergamot and an elusive orange and orange zest flavor peaks in and out, with notes of apricot. Very refined, clean and elegant cup with a long finish.

Roasting Notes: Beans are hard and dense and can be roasted to a variety of darkness levels. Most floral and delicate notes will be presented at City+ to FC range. While the nuances of this coffee will present themselves at lightly roasted levels, be sure to have a full first crack. Behmor users try P1 or P3.