Nguvu is a blend of coffees from smallholder cooperatives in the Murang'a district, in Kenya's Central Province. Our Nguvu comes from Ruthaka Kamuchuni, Ruthaka Mukui, Mwirua Riakiania, Mwirua Kiambwe (the first part of the name is the cooperative and the second part is the factory, or mill).

Murang'a is considered the traditional home of the Kikuyu tribe, which currently makes up 22 percent of Kenya's population. The area's beautiful red, loamy soil and startlingly high altitudes contribute to a juicy, berry-forward cup. These coffees are typically grown between 1,350 and 1,800 masl. Very high-quality coffees often derive from small co-ops and may be auctioned as separate lots.

All of Kenya's coffees are graded primarily by screen size (a measure of the size of the bean, with larger being more prized) immediately after milling. The coffees then proceed to the weekly auction at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.

AA is the top grade based on screening. After grading, the quality distinction "Top" or "Plus" indicates that a minimal number of small defects were allowed, as long as they have no effect on the cup.

The photo on the top right is of the Gatuya mill, one of the major contributors to the Nguvu blend. On the left is our cupping lab in Nairobi.

Cupping notes: Orange, cherry, lemonade; creamy body, winey acidity.