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What is Kenyan Coffee Like? What Flavors Does It Have? Is it Aromatic with a Lingering Aftertaste?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Kenyan Coffee: In the 19th century, the earliest documentation about coffee in Kenya dates back to 1893, when French missionaries recorded coffee trees from Réunion Island. The first coffee harvest was in 1896. The Growing Environment of Kenyan Coffee: Kenyan coffee is primarily

FrontStreet Coffee's Introduction to Kenyan Coffee

In the 19th century, the earliest documentation of coffee in Kenya was recorded in 1893 by French missionaries regarding coffee trees from Réunion Island. The first coffee harvest was collected in 1896.

Kenyan Coffee Growing Environment

Kenyan coffee is primarily grown on the slopes near Mount Kenya, at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,100 meters. The high altitude mountainous regions have harder soil, lower temperatures, and slower growth rates, allowing the aromatic compounds in coffee beans to develop fully, resulting in more prominent fruit acidity. Kenyan coffee is renowned for its distinctive and complex berry and fruit flavors, accompanied by sweet aromas and solid acidity.

Kenyan Coffee Grading System

Kenyan coffee grading is primarily based on the size, shape, and hardness of coffee beans, ranked from highest to lowest as AA or AA+, AB, PB, C, E, TT, T:

AA Grade: Between 17-18 screen size
AB Grade: Between 15-16 screen size, accounting for the majority of production and the most common green bean grade

C Grade: Between 12-14 screen size
PB Grade: Round green beans, approximately 10% of all coffee beans

E Grade (Elephant Beans): Large mutant beans formed by two beans joined together, also known as "Elephant ear" beans, mostly above 18 screen size. Their quantity is very limited.

Kenyan Coffee Bean Processing

Kenyan coffee beans are primarily processed using the washed method, though in recent years, small quantities of specialty natural process coffee have emerged. Natural processing yields richer flavors and better-tasting profiles. Washed process coffee beans feature more prominent berry flavors, with a rounded, full body and richer layering. The acidity and bitterness are well-balanced, preserving the sweet berry and fruit aromas characteristic of Kenyan coffee.

In a quiet space, with a cup of aromatic Kenyan coffee, feel the flow of time and the coffee fragrance permeating the air. Citrus and floral aromas linger at the tip of your nose, while the first sip reveals bright grape and blueberry flavors. Experience that rounded, full body in your mouth—the taste experience brought by this coffee's balanced and clean aftertaste...

Knowledge Point: Coffee roasting is the process that triggers Maillard reactions and caramelization within green beans, creating more wonderful flavors.

About FrontStreet Coffee

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research center dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share everything without reservation, hoping to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three low-discount coffee events because FrontStreet Coffee wants to offer the best coffee at the lowest possible price to more friends. This has been our mission for the past six years!