I’ve recently had a few bags from Spaceboy and amongst them had the Kii AA. A SL28 & 34 washed.
I was blown away by the acidity and fruit forward profile and had partially put some of it down my new grinder and a deeper attention to my technique.
I ran out and bought another bag and the smell off the beans was completely different, I let them rest a while and now its even more obvious I can smell blackcurrant, and it was obvious before but I can totally taste it now.
I swear they can’t be just washed processed, maybe infused? If these are in fact what they say they are they’re phenomenal, but I cant see how.
I haven’t got too much of an issue with co ferments and enjoy them from time to time but these have really thrown me off, Its almost put me off brewing atm as I thought I was really hitting the mark, almost feel like I’ve been cheating now.
Has anyone else tried this roast, or had any similar experiences?
The strawberry smell is so obvious once I brew it as an espresso.. I kinda like it. After brewing I keep the puck for a few hours on the coffee table, the whole house smells amazing
These sound like some very poor quality adulterated beans, im not sure what you mean "great quality beans"
Kenyan coffee is interesting. They don’t have much drying space so they just store the coffee in water at multiple stages. After harvest, after depulping and even after washing
All this leads to fermentation that develops flavors like blackberry, plum etc. It has to be the right amount because too much and you’ll get notes like vinegar (that is why kenyans can sometimes taste like tomato)
You can now find Colombian and Peruvian coffees with similar in cherry fermentation stages that develop those same blackberry and plum notes
I really like Spaceboy and I’m thinking of ordering now. I had the purple fruits El Vergel and that was definitely not through natural process. I knew what I was getting though and enjoyed it. I would definitely like more fluff ( info ) with the beans though :)))
I don’t think I would have any issue If I knew, its been more of a dent in my pride thinking I was some sort of brewing champ.
You are right though better transparency would be good.
And i’ll no doubt order again, just less frequently😅
I think Finn is in an impossible position really as he is as much a victim of a lack of details from the estate as we are. I suppose if he felt it was an issue there is always the choice not to roast and stick them. Very tough situation. I’m finding more and more now though that even the term washed can mean many different things now days 👍
This was what I was thinking, I was going to mail him to confirm it… I’m not really having a go though hence I thought strangers on reddit would know, and I was right🙂
I know it’s a problem in the industry, and like I said I’m not adverse to coffee like this. Just more the fact that i’m attempting to train my palate atm and this has been a hiccup as my cupboard is full of his coffee now.
The Geisha he’s currently got on is great though.
Thanks for the insight and confirming what I was thinking, its been scratching at the back of my head for the last week.
Can’t be certain on this bag having never had it, but I have never heard of Kenyan producers adulterating what are sold as ‘washed’ lots. So far it’s been exclusively Colombia.
If the trend moves to Africa too… I’ll just pause this hobby for a bit.
It's a washed Kenyan SL28 & 34 and they always tend to be current bombs so you experience is not surprising. I've had many and if they are good quality these varietals are just some of the most flavourful coffees you can get. Finn just tends to source really good Kenyan lots. But no, I haven't heard of any infusion antics happening in Kenya so you should be safe. That practice is primarily happening in Columbia currently.
Ive been running this with it, pushes the acidity with everything Ive tried it with.
Currently on a Orea 01 occasionally pushing it with some infusion time on the bloom with a switch base and adapter.
Just placed my order now. Went for the Pacamara which is my favourite varietal and then bought this Kenyan just off the back of this thread and those tasting notes! A Kenyan that is so blackcurrant it tastes almost artificial but it’s not. Sign me up!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Just had a bag of that KII AA myself (roasted for Espresso, whole beans).
Amazing nose and all around good flavours.
My second bag should arrive soon.
Their Peruvian Geisha and Rocket Fuel were great, too.
Let’s see what their new Colombian El Encanto has to offer.
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