Coffee Collective - Gichathaini

Gichathaini is a renowned wet mill, or "factory," located on the western slopes of Mt. Kenya in Nyeri County. It is part of the Gikanda Farmers' Cooperative Society and processes cherries from nearly 900 smallholder farmers, each tending tiny plots that average less than one hectare. This specific lot from Coffee Collective is celebrated for its clarity and refined structure, a result of meticulous quality control at the station, which features its own dry mill and cupping lab. The cherries—comprising iconic SL varieties along with Ruiru 11 and Batian—undergo a traditional Kenyan washed process, involving a double 24-hour fermentation and an overnight soak to enhance sweetness and complexity. The final cup is a vibrant expression of Nyeri terroir, defined by a sharp, tart acidity reminiscent of gooseberry and rhubarb, balanced by the unique, tangy fruitiness of sea buckthorn.