Kenya Kirinyaga Kamwangi

Country: Kenya, Kirinyaga

Producer(s): 1,800 smallholders & The New Ngariama Farmers’ Cooperative Society

Washing Station: Kamwangi

Varietal(s): SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Baitan

Processing: Washed

Altitude: 1800 masl

Cielo Cup Score: 86.25

Tasting Notes

This coffee, like most specialty grade top lots from Kenya, is defined by its dense structure. This coffee specifically offers a high acid complexity, like malic and citric, which translate to flavors of lime, raspberry, peach and a rich vanilla pod complexity.

Brief Overview

The Kamwangi Washing Station is managed by the New Ngariama Farmers’ Cooperative Society and services 1,800 smallholder producers in Kirinyaga County. Each producer manages on average about 0.1 hectares of coffee but diversifies their crops alongside maize, beans, potatoes, and other subsistence crops. This diversified farming system contributes to household resilience and environmental sustainability.

SL28 and SL34 dominate the variety mix, with minor inputs from Batian and Ruiru 11. These heritage cultivars thrive at high altitudes and are known for their complex flavors and cup quality.
Kamwangi delivers a juicy and composed profile — bright lemon-like acidity, high
sweetness, and a round mouthfeel define this lot. An elegant showcase of Kirinyaga’s
terroir and the co-op’s skilled processing.