Tasting Notes: Red Liquorice, Blackcurrant, Port
Process: Anaerobic Natural 'Extra special'
Varietal: SL28 & SL34
Altitude: 1400-1600 MASL
Origin: Kenya
About the farm:
Etago Extra Special is a luxurious, naturally processed coffee that has undergone anaerobic fermentation with Ava, unlocking deep, complex flavours. This standout lot is a carefully curated blend of Ruiru 11, Batian, SL28, and SL34 varieties, cultivated at high elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 meters in the fertile highlands of Kisii County, Kenya.
What sets this coffee apart is its indulgent flavour profile, lush notes of red liquorice balanced out with the velvety richness of port, creating a cup that is both bold and nuanced.
Nearby wards such as Kuria, Itumbe, Etago, and Oyugis are located close to the washing station, where Lot 20 has established buying stations to facilitate easier cherry delivery for local farmers. Each ward’s coffee is processed separately to maintain transparency and identify potential areas for improvement. The initiative also aims to support underperforming wards by offering seedlings and agronomy training during each harvest cycle.
During routine cleaning of Rongo washing station’s 200L barrels, Flo, the manager, noticed a sweet-smelling white substance resembling ripe bananas. Sidney of Lot 20 had it analysed, revealing it was Aspergillus Oryzae, used in Japanese cuisine. Coffee from this barrel had heightened sweetness and higher cup scores. The fungus now known as AVA is now cultivated for all ‘extra special’ lots.