What makes Kenyan coffee taste so different from Brazilian coffee?

We pour two coffees at Ashgrove, and they could not taste more different. Ashgrove House, our espresso blend, is Brazilian and Colombian. Kirinyaga AA, our filter, is Kenyan. Here is why the same drink can taste like chocolate in one cup and blackcurrant in the next.

Why does Kenyan coffee taste different from Brazilian coffee?

Mostly the country. Coffee takes on flavor from its soil, altitude and climate the way wine takes on flavor from its region. Kenyan coffees, grown at high altitude in volcanic soil, tend to be bright and fruit-forward. Brazilian coffees, grown lower and often in full sun, tend toward chocolate and nuts.

What does washed process mean, and why does it matter?

Kirinyaga AA is washed, meaning the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries, which gives a cleaner, brighter cup. It is one reason this coffee tastes like blackcurrant rather than something heavier. Ashgrove House is processed differently, which is part of why it is rounder and more forgiving with milk.

Which one should I order, Kirinyaga AA or Ashgrove House?

If you drink your coffee black and like it bright, order the Kirinyaga AA as a pour-over or drip. If you take milk, or want something chocolatey and steady, Ashgrove House is the one in every flat white and cortado we make. Neither is more serious than the other — they are just built for different cups.

Can I take either one home?

Yes, both come in 12 oz bags, whole bean or ground to order. Kirinyaga AA changes every few weeks as the season moves on, so if you like a particular batch, it is worth asking whether it is still in stock before it sells out.

Both coffees are behind the counter every day, and both are available in 12 oz bags to take home.