Profile: Kenya Iriga

Anna Kerwick @ 2019-08-27 14:48:30 +1000

Merlo’s September Bean of the Month is grown in the rich volcanic soil of the Nyambene Hills on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya.

The region has two rainy seasons and receives on average 1000mm of rain each year, leaving a rich, red murram earth and a thick layer of top soil that is very fertile.

These premium Iriga beans are produced by a group of smallhold farmers who plant a mix of varietals in order to protect their crops from disease. The hardier Batian and Ruiru 11 varietals provide protection to the beautifully aromatic, but delicate SL28 and SL34 varietals.

Processed at the Iriga wet mill, the cherries are fully washed, fully fermented and naturally dried on raised African beds in the sun.

The Iriga is a sweet and smooth coffee, with caramel aromas, chocolate flavours and a fresh but soft orange acidity.

Try it in-store as your normal coffee, from a Hario V60 filter, or buy online today.