Kenya Kamwangi (Wholesale)

Country/Region: Kenya, Kirinyaga

Varietal: SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian

Processing: Fully - Washed

Elevation: 1700 - 1800 m.a.s.l

We Taste: Hibiscus, Orange, Honey

Kamwangi is one of three washing stations operated by the New Ngariama Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Kirinyaga County, alongside Kainamui and Mathigira. Established in 1975, it sits on the fertile volcanic slopes near Mt. Kenya, where nutrient-rich soils and a cool, stable climate create ideal conditions for producing high-quality coffee. The station serves around 1,800 smallholder farmers, evenly split between men and women, who typically cultivate 0.1-hectare farms. Alongside coffee, they grow maize, beans, potatoes, and other crops to support household livelihoods.

Harvested cherries are carefully sorted before pulping, followed by 24 hours of dry fermentation, washing with fresh water from the Nyamindi River, a 6-hour soak, and slow drying on raised beds. This meticulous processing enhances clarity, vibrant acidity, and refined cup structure. The station primarily processes the renowned SL28 and SL34 varieties, with smaller quantities of Batian and Ruiru 11, all valued for their exceptional cup quality and complex flavor profiles.

Sourced from the Kirinyaga region, the Kenya Kamwangi is a standout offering from PPP Coffee. This lot is produced by the New Ngariama Farmers’ Cooperative Society and grown at elevations between 1700 and 1800 masl. As a fully-washed coffee, it highlights the clean, vibrant acidity often associated with the high-altitude terroir of Kenya · Kirinyaga.

In the cup, this coffee presents a profile defined by hibiscus, orange, and honey. While these specific notes provide a clear starting point, exploring the flavor wheel can help enthusiasts better articulate the nuanced complexity found in such Kenyan profiles. Fully-washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their ability to showcase the inherent characteristics of the bean, offering a bright and transparent cup that reflects the meticulous processing standards maintained by the cooperative. This selection serves as a refined example of the region's potential for clarity and sweetness.