Kenya Gicherori - Washed

Origin: Embu County, Kenya Gicherori

Producer: Kibugu FCS, Gikirima Factory

Varietal: SL34 and SL28

MASL: 1800-1900

Gikirima Factory is one of five wet mills operated by the Kibugu Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) in Embu County on the southeastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Located near Gicherori in Manyatta Division, the factory serves smallholder farms cultivating coffee at high elevations of 1800-1900 meters above sea level.

At Gikirima, meticulous washed processing is central to quality. Processing begins with cherries being floated and hand-sorted to remove underripe and defective fruit. Clean river water feeds the pulpers, where the outer fruit is removed. Floating beans are removed while denser cherries continue forward. After washing, the coffee is sun-dried on raised beds, carefully monitored and covered during rain or intense sun, until reaching an optimal 10-12% moisture. This traditional Kenyan washed process enhances clarity, acidity, and structure in the final cup.