Kenya AA Single Origin
This month we head south of Ethiopia into Kenya to explore Kenya AA Single Origin coffees. Kenya AA coffees are known as some of the best coffees produced around the world, and for good reason.
Kenya has four main coffee growing regions, but the majority of coffee is grown between the slopes of Mt. Kenya south to the capital city of Nairobi, which is only about 85 miles. Although that may seem like a wide distance, it’s quite a small area to produce so much of the world’s finest coffee.
Growing Conditions
Kenya is able to produce such a fine quality coffee because of its rich volcanic soil (from an active volcano system), access to regular rainfall year round, and high elevation.
Kenya AA is grown at or above an elevation of 6,600 feet (or ~2,000 MASL). This qualifies the beans as Strictly High Grown (SHG)/Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). This also means that the beans are able to mature at a slower rate, which infuses the beans with more nutrients and allows time for strong flavors to develop.
What does AA mean?
AA is one element of the Kenya Coffee Grading system. This system measures the size of the coffee beans while still green (unroasted) and separates them. AA is one of the larger bean sizes (behind E - elephant, and PB - peaberry, which are both comparable) and is followed by five additional grades that vary in size and quality of bean.
After water processing (removing the cherry and parchment while fresh or just harvested), AA beans are separated by size using a screen that isolates the beans sized 17-19 (17-19/64 in). Once isolated, AA beans are able to roast more evenly than a variety of bean sizes – which further enhances its consistency in flavor.
Common Aromas and Flavors
Kenya AA coffee beans are typically described as having fruity and floral aromas, with a strong berry flavor. Sources have also claimed the beans carry black currant, passion fruit, cherry, lemongrass, and wine flavors.
Because of the flavor discrepancies, we are eager to see what the three Kenya AA coffees we picked up taste like and how they differ between individual roasters.
Stick around this month as we explore three roasters’ takes on the Kenya AA Single Origin coffee, compare flavor profiles, and experiment with the best brewing methods for this bean.
Cheers!
Mrs. Brew