Karatu has long been known for its quality in the Kiambu region of central Kenya, but this is our first year selecting a lot from this well-known site. In the cup we find rhubarb, hibiscus, and red currant.
Field Blend
Kiambu
1,500 masl
November 2025
Hand-picked at peak ripeness. Hand-sorted to ensure only the very best cherries are selected. De-pulped. Fermented for ~24 hours. Floated through channels to sort by density and remove remaining defects. Soaked overnight in fresh water. Dried on raised beds for 15 days while continually turned and hand-sorted.
ABOUT KARATU
We have long spoken about how Kiambu is one of our favorite regions to source coffee from in Kenya. From the very first lots we selected and roasted, Kiambu has always stood out in special ways. This is our first year working with the Karatu washing station, and it is an honor to roast coffees from this renowned site.
ABOUT SL28, SL34, RUIRU 11, & BATIAN
“SL” is in reference to single tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1935-1939. SL28 is of the Bourbon genetic group, and was selected for its drought resistance as well as its extremely high cup quality. SL28 is one of the most well-known and well-regarded varieties in Africa. It has consequently spread from Kenya to other parts of Africa as well as Central and South America. SL28 is non-hybrid, and very susceptible to disease. SL34 has a Typica-like genetic background selected from a single tree on the Loresho Estate in Kabete, Kenya. SL34 is extremely susceptible to disease, but has relatively high yield and quality potential at high altitudes.
Ruiru 11 is a Catimor hybrid that owes its existence to a coffee berry disease epidemic in 1968 that lead to the loss of 50% of Kenya’s production. The crisis sparked action. In the 1970s, the coffee research station at Ruiru—which gives Ruiru 11 its name—began an intensive breeding program of varieties that are immune to coffee berry disease, ultimately leading to the release of Ruiru 11 in 1985.
Batian is resistant to both leaf rust and coffee berry disease. It was created via single-tree selections from fifth filial (F5) generations from the male parent of some Ruiru 11 progenies. Batian is a composite variety, mixing three different pure line varieties. The varieties involved in the original crosses are: SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan, N39, K7, SL4 and the Timor Hybrid.
Pricing Details
FOB (USD; GREEN)
$11.18/KG
DDP
$14.73/KG
The cost of getting a coffee from cherry to beverage varies enormously depending on its place of origin and the location of its consumption. The inclusion of price transparency is a starting point to inform broader conversation around the true costs of production and the sustainability of specialty coffee as a whole.