Gachatha

I have visited the Gachatha wet mill several times and even though it looks like most wet mills do in Nyeri, it has proven to be one of the best producers of high quality coffees in the area over many years. At least in my opinion. Although the wet mill mainly takes care of the processing and drying of the coffees that are delivered by it's members / farmers, a well run wet-mill is fundamental in order to be able to produce high quality coffee year after year. Apart from processing and drying the coffees well, the co-operative provides extensive training to their farmers. There is even a small demonstration plot at the wet mill where the members receive training in good agricultural practices. The co-operative also grow seedlings of both coffee trees and shade trees that are distributed to their members.

Although most members are still growing the traditional SL28 and SL34 cultivars, we know that they have been planting the new hybrid cultivars Ruiru 11 and a lot of Batian in the recent years. Still the coffee from Gachatha has the recognisable intense fruity flavours you can expect from the traditional SL-cultivars.

The Gachatha wet mill, located in the Nyeri region of Kenya, is the source of this specific offering from Dayglow. This lot is composed entirely of the SL28 varietal, a plant selection historically celebrated for its resilience and its capacity to produce complex, vibrant profiles. When evaluating such coffees, enthusiasts often consult a flavor wheel to better articulate the nuances found in the cup.

Kenyan coffees are frequently recognized for their bright acidity and distinct, layered profiles. While SL28 is often associated with a classic, high-toned clarity, this particular selection from Gachatha is noted by the roaster for its intense fruity flavors. As with many high-quality selections from Nyeri, the processing at the mill plays a critical role in defining the final character of the bean, bridging the gap between traditional regional expectations and the unique output of this specific harvest.