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Origin · Kenya

Nyeri

Central Highlands

The classic Kenyan profile — blackcurrant, tomato, and grapefruit acidity from SL28 on red volcanic soil.

Nyeri, on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya in the central highlands, produces what many consider the archetypal Kenyan cup: intensely juicy blackcurrant, ripe tomato, and grapefruit acidity over a syrupy, structured body. Smallholders deliver cherry to cooperative-run 'factories' (washing stations) that meticulously double-wash and sun-dry the coffee, and the deep red, iron-rich volcanic 'nyeri red' soils are credited with the region's signature acidity. The famous SL28 and SL34 selections — bred at Scott Agricultural Laboratories in the 1930s — dominate alongside the disease-resistant Ruiru 11 and Batian. Sold through Kenya's distinctive weekly auction system and graded by bean size (AA, AB), Nyeri coffees are a benchmark for brightness in specialty coffee.

Climate

Cool high-altitude equatorial climate with two rainy seasons and a main and 'fly' crop.

Soil

Iron-rich, deep red volcanic soils ('nyeri red') associated with high acidity.

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Last updated: June 13, 2026