Coffee Of The Month - Summer Sorbet

We produce a brand spanking new coffee, every month.

If you’re someone who thinks variety is the spice of life - this one is for you. Our Coffee of the Month allows us to shine a light on a specific grower or community as we explore amazingly diverse coffees from all around the world.

From Kenya, one of the most well known coffee-producing countries in East Africa, we source our Coffee of the Month for August. 

Kenya is globally renowned for its high-grown, meticulously processed coffees, and the AB grade — denoting a bean size just below the larger AA — often offers a sweet spot between clarity, acidity, and body. Two of Kenya’s most prized coffee-producing regions, Murang’a and Nyeri, yield exceptional AB-grade coffees, particularly when sourced through specialty exporters like Volcafe.

Volcafe, operating as Taylor Winch in Kenya, supports smallholder producers with a strong foundation of agronomic training — covering pruning, mulching, stumping, pest control, and sustainable soil fertility practices. They also drive post-harvest improvements, such as enhanced fermentation, washing, and drying processes to elevate cup quality.

Through digital tools and transparent contracts, smallholders gain more direct access to export markets — all helping to improve livelihoods. With better farm productivity and access to quality premiums, farmers can boost their income while maintaining ecological health.

Volcafe promotes regenerative agriculture and water conservation, while actively working to reduce pesticide use and mitigate climate-related risks.

They also collaborate with local initiatives such as Ngiri-Giri, which produces custom kanga bags for coffee packaging — supporting employment for disabled artisans and celebrating Kenyan cultural craftsmanship.

What is “AB” Coffee?

In Kenya, coffee beans are graded by screen size after processing. The AB grade consists of beans measuring 6.0–6.8 mm in diameter - smaller than AA, but often more consistent and balanced, with intense aromatics and sweetness. For many roasters and buyers, AB lots offer better value and greater cup clarity than AA.

Murang’a County lies just south of Nyeri, on the western slopes of the Aberdare Range. Its coffee is grown at elevations between 1,600–1,850 meters, typically by smallholder farmers cultivating less than one hectare of land.
Nyeri County, nestled between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, is widely regarded as Kenya’s premier specialty region. It is home to a high concentration of SL28 and SL34 trees, often grown at elevations of 1,700–2,000 meters.

This blend features varietals such as SL28, SL34 (traditional Bourbon types), Ruiru 11, and Batian. Volcanic red soils, cool nights, and frequent mist contribute to the development of dense, slow-ripening cherries, which are then processed using a fully washed method with fresh mountain spring water and dried on raised beds.

In the cup, expect crisp acidity with flavour notes of blackcurrant, prunes, and blackberry, followed by juicy grapefruit. Delicate jasmine and bergamot florals emerge, alongside a clean, tea-like finish. The body is dense and juicy, with a red-wine texture.

Have a great August!