This is our first year purchasing coffee from the renowned Ibonia Estate in Kiambu. This fun new selection tastes of hibiscus, red berries, and rosehips.
SL28, SL34, & Ruiru 11
Kiambu
1,700 masl
January, 2024
Hand-sorted to ensure only the very best cherries are selected. De-pulped. Fermented overnight. Floated through channels to sort by density and remove any remaining defects. Soaked and cleaned in fresh water. Dried on raised beds for 15 days while continuously turned and hand-sorted.
ABOUT IBONIA ESTATE
We have long been drawn to the coffees from the Kiambu region in central Kenya. However, given its proximity to Nairobi, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue producing coffee in Kiambu because much of the land is being purchased for development. Despite all of the challenges that purchasing Kenyan coffee presents, the country still produces some of our favorite profiles in all of coffee.
ABOUT SL28, SL34, & RUIRU 11
“SL” is in reference to single tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1935-1939. SL34 has a Typica-like genetic background selected from a single tree on the Loresho Estate in Kabete, Kenya. 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. Both varieties are non-hybrid and very susceptible to disease.
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.
Pricing Details
FOB
$8.80/KG
FOT
$12.24/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.