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:
Gatomboya Washing Station is part of the Barichu Co-operative Society. It collects cherries from roughly 700 local smallholder farms in and around Nyeri. The word ‘Gatomboya’ roughly translates to swamp in Kikuyu, which makes sense given the area’s damp weather and rich soil. The increased moisture helps fosters strong and dense plant roots. Barichu provides credit facilities for members to cover agricultural training, school fees, farm inputs, and health care.

FLAVOUR:
Gatomboya is like sunshine distilled into a cup. There is so much ripe and sticky stone-fruit, it is like eating a nectarine over a sink.  The floral aromatics and finish are so big, it is akin to running through a field of blooming flowers. Below these big aromatics is the bite of black currant, concord grape, and a surprisingly tropical mango note. Sugary and bright, the cup comes together with blood orange and pink grapefruit.

ROAST DEGREE: 
Light-Medium.
TASTE:
White Nectarine, Black Currant & Fanta Grape.
REGION:
Nyeri County, Karindundu. 
FARM:
Smallholder Farms.
VARIETY:
SL 28,SL 34, Ruiru 11 & Batian.
ELEVATION:
1770m.
PROCESS:
Fully Washed.
IMPORTER:
Sally at Cafe Imports.
FOB PRICING:
$15.11 USD per Kilogram.
(This is the price before transport costs including shipping, brokerage, etc.) 
YEARS PARTNERED:
This is our forth harvest from Gatomboya (2019, 2021, 2023 & 2026).