Ruiru Mills, Kenya

Description:

Tasting notes:

Blackberry Jam, Lime, Honey.

Coffee info:

• Producer: Sasini Estates
• Location: Kiambu county, Kenya
• Elevation: 2000 masl
• Variety: SL28, SL34
• Process: Fully Washed

More info about this coffee:

Ruiru Mills Estate, nestled in the fertile highlands of Kiambu County, just outside Nairobi, spans 65 hectares and is one of six estates owned and operated by Sasini, a publicly listed company with majority Kenyan ownership. Originally established by British colonists, Ruiru Mills has transformed over the decades into a symbol of Kenyan stewardship, equity, and heritage in coffee cultivation.

This fully washed lot showcases the meticulous care taken throughout the production process at Ruiru Mills. Cherries are selectively handpicked at peak ripeness and undergo a rigorous washing and fermentation process. After pulping, the coffee is thoroughly washed with clean water before being carefully dried on raised beds, a method that preserves the complex acidity and refined structure that Kiambu coffees are known for.

The region of Kiambu is ideal for Arabica coffee, thanks to its proximity to the equator, nutrient-rich semi-volcanic soils, and elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Cool nighttime temperatures at these altitudes slow cherry maturation, encouraging the development of vibrant acidity and layered flavours in the cup.

Though once dominated by large estates established during the colonial era, Kiambu’s coffee landscape has evolved. As Nairobi’s urban sprawl advances and land values rise, many estates have downsized. Yet, operations like Ruiru Mills persist, carrying forward generations of local expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to quality.

Sasini’s focus extends beyond the farm gates. Workers at Ruiru Mills benefit from guaranteed wages above the minimum, union representation, on-site housing, and access to early childhood education. Through a partnership with Olam Specialty and more than 30 global buyers, Sasini has also supported the local Njenga Karume Primary School, most notably through the construction of a state-of-the-art computer lab designed to give students essential digital literacy skills for the modern world.