Origin Story
This exceptional coffee comes from the Gititu Factory (washing station) in Kenya's renowned coffee-growing highlands at 1,700 meters above sea level. Kenya is celebrated worldwide for producing some of the most complex and vibrant coffees, and Gititu represents the best of Kenyan coffee tradition. The fully washed processing method—where cherries are pulped, fermented for 24-72 hours, and dried on raised beds—creates the extraordinary clarity and bright acidity Kenya is famous for. Smallholder farmers deliver their cherries to the Gititu Factory, where meticulous processing and quality control ensure consistent excellence. The combination of Kenya's volcanic soils, high altitude, unique varietals (SL28, SL34), and double fermentation washing creates a coffee with unparalleled complexity: vanilla, white grapes, red guava, green apple, and honey notes with medium body and bright acidity. This is coffee at its most vibrant and expressive, perfect for those who appreciate bold, complex flavors.
Producer Details
Washing Station: Gititu Factory
Region: Central Kenya
Altitude: 1,700 MASL
Process: Fully Washed (double fermentation)
Varietals: SL28, SL34 (Kenyan heirloom varietals)
Farmers: Smallholder farmers delivering to Gititu Factory
Fermentation: 24-72 hours double fermentation
Harvest Season: October - December (main crop)
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Cooperative Model: Smallholder farmers organized through factory system ensuring fair payment
✓ Shade-Grown: Cultivated under native trees in traditional coffee gardens
✓ Organic Practices: Natural composting and minimal intervention farming
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationship with Gititu Factory ensuring quality and fair pricing
✓ Water Management: Eco-pulpers and water recycling systems
✓ Quality Excellence: Rigorous cherry selection and processing standards
✓ Fair Wages: Premium pricing for AA grade ensures living wages
✓ Community Investment: Factory invests in local infrastructure and education
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Vanilla, white grapes, red guava, green apple, honey
Flavor Notes: Vanilla, white grapes, red guava, green apple, honey, blackcurrant
Acidity: Bright and vibrant, citrus-forward with wine-like complexity
Body: Medium with silky mouthfeel
Sweetness: Complex natural sweetness with fruit and honey notes
Finish: Long and clean with lingering fruit complexity
Brewing Recommendations: Outstanding as pour-over (V60, Chemex) to showcase complexity
Why Kenyan Coffee is Special
Kenya produces some of the world's most sought-after specialty coffee, known for extraordinary brightness, complexity, and fruit-forward flavors. The unique SL28 and SL34 varietals, volcanic soils, high altitude, and meticulous double-fermentation washing create a flavor profile unlike any other origin. Kenyan coffee is graded by bean size, with AA being the largest and most prized. This Gititu Factory lot represents the pinnacle of Kenyan coffee—vibrant, complex, and unforgettable.
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the Gititu Factory and the smallholder farmers who deliver cherries there. We maintain detailed records including lot numbers, harvest dates, and processing notes. Each lot is cupped and scored at our Dubai facility by founder Mohamed Hamdou, and this exceptional coffee is featured in our advanced cupping sessions to demonstrate the extraordinary complexity and quality of Kenyan specialty coffee.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this Kenya Washed coffee's journey from Gititu Factory to your cup? We're here to share the story.
