Day 13. Kenya Kiambu – Gulmarg Estate

This rare naturally processed SL28 from Gulmarg Estate in Kiambu, Kenya, is a vibrant showcase of innovation in a country best known for its washed coffees. Sun-dried on raised African beds for up to six weeks, this specialty lot delivers a bright, juicy, and fruit-forward cup, layered with rich sweetness and complex notes of berries and tropical fruit. With its high-altitude terroir and meticulous care, it represents a bold new expression of Kenyan coffee.

Gulmarg Estate, spanning 145 hectares, is part of Sasini, a publicly listed and majority Kenyan-owned company with a long-standing commitment to ethical and sustainable farming. Beyond producing exceptional coffee, Sasini invests in its workforce and surrounding communities by providing housing, education, and fair wages. Through partnerships with Olam Specialty and global roasters, Sasini has also contributed to local initiatives, including building a new computer lab at Njenga Karume Primary School, equipping students with essential digital skills.

Nestled just outside Nairobi, Kiambu County is one of Kenya’s historic coffee regions. While urban expansion has reduced large estate farming, Gulmarg continues to preserve the country’s rich coffee heritage. Its location, paired with fertile volcanic soil, equatorial sunshine, and elevations above 1,600 masl, provides ideal conditions for cultivating SL28 with exceptional clarity and complexity.

Natural processing is still a rarity in Kenya, making this lot particularly special. Cherries are dried whole on raised beds for up to six weeks, carefully hand-turned to ensure even drying, and protected from rain and overnight moisture. Close monitoring prevents over-fermentation and preserves the integrity of the fruit, resulting in a coffee that is as clean as it is distinctive. By contrast to Kenya’s traditional washed style, this method enhances body and sweetness, creating a profile that is both bold and elegant.

Expect a lively, fruit-driven cup with refined acidity, layered berry and tropical fruit flavours, a smooth mouthfeel, and a lingering, wine-like finish.

Gulmarg Estate is a true rarity in Kenyan coffee, combining tradition with innovation to produce a lot that stands apart — and sets the stage for the country’s evolving specialty landscape.

Every cup tells a story. Our coffees are sourced from passionate farmers around the world, roasted with care in Buckinghamshire, and delivered fresh to your home. Treat yourself to something special, or share the gift of great coffee