Kenya Kirinyaga Gikirima AB

There was a fruited sweetness that came through in the dry fragrance that reminded dried plum, and along with brown sugar notes, brought out some cookie-like pastry accents. The wet aroma opens up to include citrus notes such as orange marmalade, along with red fruits, a hint of grape, and a hefty undercurrent of raw sugar sweetness. Acidity is a strong point in Gikirima's cup profile, an aspect that is highlighted by flavor notes of tart fruits and teas. The level of sweetness at City roast is moderate, just enough to help round off some of the more vibrant flavors, like huckleberries, Meyer lemon, and rooibos tea. It's a refreshing coffee, one I'd reach for to make iced coffee on a hot Summer day (oh, how I long for one right now!). There are some spice notes that come into play, especially in the aftertaste. For me it covered the aromatic spices that carry a bittering quality, like saffron, powdered ginger, and even a hint of turmeric. Gikirima has bright cup flavors and complexity at City/City+ roast levels, perfect for pour over. Full City roasts are no slouch either, and promise a delicious dark berry note that the underlying bittersweetness helps bring to the forefront.