Kenya, Ibonia Estate AA - Espresso

Highlights

“Ibonia Estate sits in Kiambu, just north of Nairobi, at 1,700 m above sea level, with much of the surrounding land kept as natural forest - the slow, cool maturation that SL28 and SL34 were selected for. Cherries are hand-picked, floated to sort for density, pulped and fermented for 12-24 hours, then washed and given an additional 24-hour soak before drying on raised beds; that extra soak is what gives this lot its unusual polish. The cup is classic Kenyan AA: redcurrant and raspberry over a sweet muscat-grape mid-palate, a lively citrus lift and a delicate florality that keeps the shot energetic rather than sharp. AA refers to screen size - the larger beans - not quality on its own. Fjord roasts this lot for espresso, aiming at sweetness, structure and varietal clarity; it dials in easily and holds up in longer milk drinks. Producer and washing station: Ibonia Estate. Altitude: 1,700 m.a.s.l. 250 g bag at EUR 15.90.”