Kenya is the East African powerhouse of the coffee world. Both in the cup, and the way they run their trade, everything is topnotch. The absolute best Kenya coffees are sold as AA, AB to PB. They are specific auction lots sold to the highest bidder, and heated competition drives the prices up. Their research and development is unparalleled. Their quality control is meticulous, and many thousands of small farmers are highly educated in their agricultural practice --and rewarded -- for top level coffee. Kenya AA coffee, which is grown at elevations of 4,900 to 6,800 feet, is nearing the top of the list of the world's finest Arabica bean coffees. When it comes to coffee production, Kenya has a reputation for absolute excellence, especially because it lies near the region where coffee beans originated. These gourmet coffee beans are grown on volcanic soils and are wet-processed; the beans are harvested, immediately removed from the cherries, and washed to remove the excess pulp. This process causes the coffee to have a full body of flavor with a heavy acidity. It also displays a gentle floral aroma as well as berry and citrus notes. Area: Eastern Province, Embu district Altitude: 5600 Ft Varietal: SL 34 (best for growing at high altitudes) AA Process: Wet Mill Soil: Deep red volcanic. A medium-roasted, Kenyan coffee is denoted by the grade AA, meaning it is large in size as well as flavor & is most frequently characterized as having a wine-taste profile. What does this mean? With a sharp acidity and a bold and heavy body, Kenya AA is layered with hints of fruit, giving it a complex sweetness and pungent aroma, like a first growth Bordeaux or a great Cabernet from Napa Valley. Ultimately, Kenya coffee is best known for its berry like and frequently blueberry and black current taste. If one is at all serious about learning and tasting the world's great coffees time should be spent with Kenyan coffee in your cup.
