Ichuga AA

Tasting Notes: Black Currant, Sugarcane, Juicy  Origin: Kenya - Nyeri Farm/Co-op: Karinga Process: Washed Elevation: 1700m Varietal: SL28, SL34, Baitan, Ruiru 11 Sourced By: Cafe Imports

 

From our importer:

Ichuga is owned by the Kiama Farmer Cooperative Society (FCS), located in Nyeri, near the town of Karatina.

Farmers deliver their coffee cherries to Ichuga Factory for primary processing. Cherry sorting is carried out to ensure only the very best cherries are used, and inferior quality cherries are removed.

The pulping, fermenting, and washing process is closely supervised before the parchment is moved to the drying tables for slow sun drying on the famous African beds. From there, is it regularly turned and protected from the harsh midday sun. When the coffee has been properly dried and conditioned, the cooperative society will move it to the dry mill for secondary processing, where the coffee is graded.

The Ichuga AA, sourced from the Karinga producer in the Nyeri region of Kenya, represents a classic expression of the SL28 varietal. Roasted by Little Wolf Coffee, this lot undergoes a washed process, a method often utilized to highlight the inherent acidity and clean profile characteristic of high-quality East African coffees. In the cup, the Ichuga AA presents notes of black currant and sugarcane with a notably juicy mouthfeel.

When evaluating such profiles, enthusiasts often reference the flavor wheel to better articulate the nuances between fruit-forward acidity and sweetness. While washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their clarity and vibrant brightness, the specific terroir of Nyeri often contributes to the distinct, punchy character found in these beans. This selection offers a focused look at how traditional processing and specific varietal cultivation continue to define the standard for Kenyan coffee production.