LAST SPLASH

WASHED LOTS:
Last Splash always features washed processed coffees. These are lots in which the fruit and sticky mucilage layers of the coffee cherry are removed after being picked fresh. It is a multi-stage process involving floating cherries in water and then using a de-pulper, which might happen directly at the farm or at larger washing stations. Following a final washing stage, the cherry seeds are dried on patios or raised beds.

While experimental processes are increasingly ubiquitous in specialty coffee circles, I want to always have a washed process on our menu. It is partially because on most mornings, I crave their brilliant clarity and vibrancy.  But also because they can offer a level of complexity and delicate body that will always having you reaching for the cup's last splash. 

You might wonder, why do I love washed lots? Well to draw upon The Breeder’s lyrics, it is pretty simple: “we have come for light, wholly, we have come for light, it's true”.

ORIGIN:
Ruarai is a Kikuyu word that translates to ‘place of rocks’, referencing the rocky Ruarai River that flows alongside the coffee factory from which the facility takes its name. The station is run by the Ruthaka Farmers Co-op Society, which has just over 600 members. Most of which are small holder farms from around the foothills of Mount Kenya and deliver cherries to the mill for processing. 

FLAVOUR:
As always, our Kenyan offerings come by way of Red Fox Merchants, for both quality and Aleco’s long standing relationships. In the cup, the light spice notes of tamarind and Dr Pepper provide a wonderfully sweet base that work with the lighter concord grape, lime candy, and grapefruit flavours.

ROAST DEGREE: 
Light-Medium.

TASTE:
Tamarind, Concord Grape & Grapefruit.
REGION:
Gakindu, Central Province, Nyeri. 
FARM:

Smallholder Farms.
VARIETY:
SL 28,SL 34, Ruiru 11 & Batian.
ELEVATION:
2000m.
PROCESS:
Fully Washed.
IMPORTER:
Aleco at Red Fox Merchants.
FOB PRICING:
$15.07 USD per Kilogram.
(This is the price before transport costs including shipping, brokerage, etc.) 
YEARS PARTNERED:
This is our first harvest from Ruarai.