KENYA KATHIMA AB LOT 6058

Sourced from Embu County on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, this coffee is produced at Kathima Factory in Manyata Subcounty. Operating under the Thambana Farmers Cooperative Society, the factory works with around 2,200 active smallholder farmers from a wider community of more than 4,500 members. Coffee is cultivated between 1,600 and 1,800 metres above sea level where fertile red volcanic soils and a tropical rainforest climate create ideal conditions for producing dense beans with expressive clarity, brightness and layered fruit character.

Most farmers manage small plots of around 250 coffee trees while cultivating a blend of renowned Kenyan varieties including SL28, SL34, Batian and Ruiru 11. SL28 and SL34 contribute the elegant sweetness, complexity and vibrant acidity associated with Kenyan coffee, while Batian and Ruiru 11 provide improved disease resistance and productivity. This balance allows farmers to maintain both cup quality and long-term sustainability in their coffee production.

Harvest follows Kenya’s traditional dual-season cycle with cherries selectively handpicked at peak ripeness before being delivered to Kathima Factory. Processing follows the fully washed method with careful sorting, pulping and controlled fermentation to remove the remaining mucilage. The parchment is then washed and soaked in clean water before drying slowly on raised beds. Regular turning and protection from excessive heat and moisture ensure consistent quality, preserving the distinctive character of Embu coffee with its vibrant acidity, refined sweetness and exceptional clarity.