KENYA MATUNDA AA #2544

Tastes Like: Plum, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Honey

Curator’s Notes:Hello, sunshine! As the days get warmer and springtime comes into view, I find myself reaching for bigger, brighter, sweeter coffees — and there’s just nothing like a fruit-forward Kenyan. (They’re called the “gateway drug” of specialty coffee for a reason!) Classic Kenyans are unmistakable: big-bodied, sweet, tangy, crisp, and bursting with luscious acidity. Right now, I’m obsessed with Kitale’s delicious, vibrant Kenya Matunda AA. From the first sip, you’ll notice a sparkling, citrusy acidity – think pink grapefruit and lime – wrapped in a full, honeyed body, like someone snuck in a spoonful of honey when you weren’t looking. It reminds me of a fresh Paloma cocktail. This coffee would taste incredible over ice! As the cup cools, it opens up with juicy notes of ripe red plum, soft violet florals, and finishes like watermelon juice dusted with a hint of baking spice.

Historically, Kenyan coffee has been a challenge for direct trade. More than 90% of Kenyan coffee is sold through auction, a system that sets prices and ensures transparency and quality control, but doesn’t allow producers to communicate or negotiate directly with buyers. Thankfully, a small but growing movement is changing that, working to educate Kenyan growers on direct sales and connect producers and co-ops straight to buyers. It’s a huge step forward for small farmers and the future of specialty coffee. That’s why I was so excited to meet the founders of Kitale. Their close, direct relationships with Kenyan producers are a rare find. Through Kitale, I’ve had the chance to explore a wider range of Kenyan coffees from regions I hadn’t tasted before, and every sip feels even better knowing the impact of their sourcing model. (Bonus: for dark roast lovers, they even offer a darker, roastier take on their Kenyans — something you almost never see.) We’re thrilled to welcome Kitale into the Bean Box family and to share their fantastic coffees with you!

Bottom Line:You’ll like this coffee if you love classic Kenyan coffees, Paloma cocktails, or want to buy coffee that supports direct relationships with small producers.

P.S. Don't forget about our $100k giveaway! Every $1 spent = 1 entry towards the prize, all month long.

Whole Bean | Light Roast | Washed Arabica |

Region: Central Kenya