KARINGA AB, KENYA - ESPRESSO / DARK FILTER COFFEE

A Kenyan delight has arrived in our selection – this time as an espresso!
This washed-processed coffee comes from Karinga Factory, part of the Gitwe Farmers Co-operative Society. It perfectly captures the freshness and bright acidity of Kenya’s high-altitude regions. In the cup, you’ll find deep notes of purple fruits, pleasant herbal tones, and a toffee-like sweetness, all crowned by a clear and complex finish.

About the producer
Karinga Coffee Factory was established in 1983 and is located in Central Kenya’s Kiambu County, at an altitude of about 1,840 meters above sea level. The area is known for its fertile red volcanic soils and abundant rainfall, which create ideal conditions for growing exceptional coffee. Surrounding villages – Kimaruri, Kariungu, Gachuha, and Mugalwa – form a close-knit community of around 650 smallholder farmers who deliver their coffee cherries to Karinga for processing.

The farmers primarily grow the traditional Kenyan varieties SL28 and SL34, alongside Ruiru 11 and Batian. This combination of cultivars brings both the lively, classic Kenyan profile and a touch of sweetness and softness to the cup.

The coffee is processed using the traditional washed method. Clean water is drawn from the Rwabura River into the factory’s tanks, where it is recirculated during pulping and washing. The cherries are fermented overnight, washed, and soaked before being dried on raised beds under the sun. Careful attention to detail – frequent turning and precise sorting – ensures consistent quality and a bright, transparent flavor profile.

From an environmental perspective, Karinga has constructed five soak pits that safely filter wastewater back into the soil, away from natural water sources. Farmers are trained in sustainable agricultural practices and supported with financing through the cooperative.

Karinga’s region enjoys a steady highland climate (13–24°C) and two rainy seasons, allowing coffee trees to mature slowly and concentrate their flavors. The result is a coffee that combines Kenya’s signature acidity and juiciness with refined balance – a cup that is both vibrant and deep.