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Kenya · Washed · Light

Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi

Roasted by Nossa Familia Coffee

This Kenyan microlot from Mbandi Farm offers citrus brightness with notes of tangerine, peach, and a savory-sweet caramel finish.

Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi — Nossa Familia Coffee
Image: courtesy of Nossa Familia Coffee
citrus brightnesstangerinepeachyellow fruitcaramel

From the roaster

Mbandi Farm sits on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya at nearly 1,600 masl, where SL28 ripens slowly under dappled shade. The farm's position supports a countercyclical harvest pattern, with the main crop ripening in Q2. Cool nights extend maturation and increase bean density, building brightness and well-developed sweetness.

This lot comes from Thomas Masila Mutunga in Machakos, harvested in May 2025. The beans are wet processed and double washed, then dried on raised beds and finished with extended gravimetric and optical sorting for exceptional cup clarity.

Cupping at 86-87 points, expect citrus brightness, tangerine and peach notes, yellow fruit character, and a savory-sweet caramel finish.

— Nossa Familia Coffee

Context

The Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi, sourced by Nossa Familia Coffee, highlights the distinct profile of the Machakos region. Produced by Thomas Masila Mutunga, this lot features the SL28 varietal, a plant renowned for its resilience and ability to produce complex, vibrant acidity. Because this coffee undergoes a washed process, the cup emphasizes clarity and clean, defined flavors rather than the heavy body often associated with sun-dried methods.

In the cup, drinkers can expect a profile defined by citrus brightness, tangerine, and peach. These yellow fruit characteristics are balanced by a subtle caramel sweetness, creating a structured experience that aligns well with the flavor wheel standards for high-quality Kenyan coffee. Grown at 1600 masl, this selection showcases the meticulous cultivation practices of the producer, offering a bright and refreshing cup that serves as an excellent example of the region's traditional processing techniques.

Buy — $25 from Nossa Familia Coffee

In the Encyclopedia

Frequently asked questions

Where is Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi grown?

Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi, roasted by Nossa Familia Coffee, is sourced from Nyeri, Kenya.

What does Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi taste like?

Expect tasting notes of citrus brightness, tangerine, peach, yellow fruit, and caramel.

How is Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi processed?

Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi uses the Washed process.

What roast level is Roaster's Choice - Kenya Mbandi?

It is roasted to a light level.

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Last verified: October 14, 2026 · Browse all beans.