Gondo

Origin: Kenya

Farm/Region: Gondo

Varietal: Castillo & Colombia

Processing: Washed

Altitude: 1900 MASL

About The Coffee: Gondo Washing Station, located in Murang’a County and operated by the New Kiriti Farmers Cooperative Society, brings together hundreds of smallholder producers farming at around 1,900 masl on the slopes of the Aberdare range. Each producer selectively handpicks ripe cherry and delivers it the same day to the factory, where lots are combined and processed with a strong focus on consistency and precision.

Processing at Gondo follows a traditional Kenyan washed method, refined through careful control at each stage. Cherries are hand-sorted and density separated before pulping, then dry fermented for 16–18 hours to break down mucilage. The coffee is fully washed using fresh stream water, often followed by soaking to stabilise the parchment, before being dried slowly on raised beds over roughly two weeks.

Sourced from the New Kiriti Farmers Cooperative Society in Murang’a County, Gondo represents a distinct offering from Kenya. This lot is composed of the Castillo and Colombia varietals, which are cultivated at an elevation of 1900 masl. Unlike many regional counterparts that undergo traditional fermentation, this coffee is prepared using the washed process, a method often utilized to highlight the inherent acidity and clean profile of the bean.

Roasted by Axil Coffee Roasters, this selection invites a closer examination of how specific processing techniques influence the final cup. While washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their bright, crisp clarity, the unique terroir of Murang’a County provides a complex backdrop for these specific varietals. To better understand the nuances present in this profile, we encourage you to reference the flavor wheel as you explore the characteristics of this Kenyan harvest.