Kenya – Kirinyaga (Washed) | Specialty Coffee Beans UK
Rungeto Cooperative from Kirinyaga, Kenya: A vibrant washed coffee from the fertile volcanic soils of Mount Kenya's southern foothills, grown at 1,300-1,900 masl. Light roast for filter brewing with notes of red fruits, juicy acidity and cola. Produced by smallholder farmers managing half-acre plots. Freshly roasted in the UK; choose whole bean or a grind tailored to your method.
🌟 Seasonal microlot: Available for a limited time to ensure you receive it at peak freshness (within 7 weeks of arrival).
Key facts
- Origin: Kenya — Kirinyaga — Mount Kenya foothills
- Producer: Rungeto Farmers' Cooperative Society (FCS) — Kirinyaga factory
- Variety / Process / Altitude: SL28 & SL34 · Washed · 1,300-1,900 masl
- Roast profile: Light — Filter
- Tasting notes: Red fruits, juicy acidity, cola
- Best for: V60, AeroPress, French press
Tasting & experience
This Kenyan coffee delivers the vibrant, juicy character for which the region is celebrated. Expect bright red fruit notes—think ripe berries and red currant—with a lively, wine-like acidity that energises the palate. A subtle cola-like sweetness provides balance, whilst the clean washed processing ensures clarity and transparency in every sip. The light roast preserves the coffee's natural brightness and complexity. Brew at 93-94 °C to coax out the coffee's full aromatic potential, revealing layers of fruit and floral nuances with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Origin & traceability
Nestled in the elevated southern foothills of Mount Kenya, the Kirinyaga factory benefits from fertile red volcanic soil—an ideal environment for cultivating exceptional Kenyan coffee. Local farmers, tending to half-acre plots with approximately 250 coffee trees each, have long delivered their carefully harvested cherries to this esteemed facility. The Kirinyaga factory is one of three managed by the Rungeto Farmers' Cooperative Society (FCS), an umbrella cooperative known for its unwavering commitment to quality.
Despite its smaller size compared to other cooperatives, Rungeto has earned recognition for producing remarkable coffees and operating some of the cleanest and best-organised factories in Kenya. Only the ripest cherries are accepted, followed by an additional round of hand sorting and floating to eliminate less dense and damaged beans. After depulping, the coffee undergoes fermentation and thorough washing, then is soaked in fresh water for extended periods to solidify Kenya's distinctive flavour profiles. Drying takes place over two weeks on raised beds designed to optimise air circulation and temperature control. Before export, beans are meticulously milled and graded by screen size and shape, ensuring consistent quality.
Roast & brewing suitability
Roasted light to preserve the coffee's vibrant acidity and fruit-forward character, this Kenyan coffee is designed specifically for filter brewing methods. The lighter development allows the inherent brightness, complex berry notes and wine-like acidity to shine through. For V60 or AeroPress, expect a transparent, tea-like cup with exceptional clarity and layered fruit complexity. The clean washed processing and meticulous sorting at origin make this coffee ideal for those seeking the classic Kenyan profile: bright, juicy, and expressive.
Brew guides
V60 · 250 ml
15 g coffee · 250 g water · 2:30–3:00 total · 93-94 °C · medium-fine grind.
AeroPress · 200 ml
15 g coffee · 200 g water · 1:45 total · medium grind.
French press · 500 ml
33 g coffee · 500 g water · 4:00 steep · coarse grind.
Grind selection guide
| Method | Recommended grind |
|---|---|
| V60 / Filter | Medium-fine |
| AeroPress | Medium |
| French press | Coarse |
Freshness & storage
Roasted fresh to order. Best enjoyed within 4–6 weeks of roasting. Store in a cool, dry place; reseal after opening.
Sustainability & quality
The Rungeto Farmers' Cooperative Society exemplifies community-driven quality coffee production. Smallholder farmers managing modest half-acre plots work collectively through the cooperative to achieve processing standards and quality control that rival much larger operations. The cooperative's commitment to meticulous sorting, careful fermentation control and optimal drying practices ensures both environmental responsibility and exceptional cup quality.
Shipping & subscriptions
UK delivery available. Optional subscriptions for regular deliveries.
FAQs
Is this coffee good for V60?
Absolutely—its bright acidity and fruit-forward profile make it ideal for V60 at 93-94 °C using a medium-fine grind.
Which grind should I pick for AeroPress?
Choose the "AeroPress" grind (medium). Start with 15 g coffee to 200 g water for a balanced, vibrant cup.
When was this coffee roasted?
We roast fresh to order to ensure maximum freshness. Roasting typically occurs within days of your order.
Can I use it for espresso?
This coffee is roasted specifically for filter brewing. For espresso, we recommend our omni or espresso-roasted offerings.
How should I store it?
Keep the bag resealed in a cool, dry place; avoid fridges or freezers once opened.
What makes Kenyan coffee special?
Kenyan coffees are renowned for their bright acidity, complex fruit notes and wine-like character, thanks to unique varieties (SL28, SL34), volcanic soil and meticulous processing methods.
Why is this coffee seasonal?
We offer this microlot for a limited time (7 weeks) to ensure you receive it at peak freshness and optimal flavour.
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