Kenya Ruiru II

AA FAQ | Fully Washed & Sun Dried

82.25+ Internal Cupping Score | Classic Kenyan Character

Kenya may have been one of the last places on earth to cultivate coffee, but what they lack in ancient history, they make up for in modern excellence. This beautiful AA grade coffee from multiple growing regions showcases exactly why Kenyan coffee has earned its reputation as some of the world's finest—bright, complex, and utterly captivating.

A coffee with a story of resilience

The Ruiru II variety tells a remarkable tale of innovation born from necessity. When coffee berry disease devastated Kenyan farms in the late 1960s, destroying nearly half the country's production, coffee scientists at the Ruiru Research Station got to work. They developed this exceptional hybrid variety—combining the legendary cup quality of Kenya's famous SL varieties with the disease resistance needed to thrive in a changing climate.

What makes Ruiru II special isn't just its practical benefits (though farmers love its compact growth and higher yields). It's how this scientifically-crafted variety still delivers that unmistakable Kenyan character we all crave.

Your cup will deliver:

• Blackberry and currant aromatics that fill the room when you brew
• Roasted nut complexity adding depth and richness
• Burnt caramel sweetness balancing bright acidity perfectly
• Candied citrus brightness with a long cocoa finish that lingers beautifully

The medium citrus acidity and silky body create that signature Kenyan drinking experience—bold enough to wake you up, smooth enough to savour slowly.

From Kenya's finest regions

This coffee represents a collaborative effort across Kenya's most celebrated growing areas: the volcanic slopes of the Aberdare Range, the highland plateaus around Mount Kenya, the rich soils of Kisii and Nyanza, and the fertile valleys of Nakuru and Kericho. Each region contributes its unique terroir characteristics, while careful blending ensures consistency and balance.

Growing at 1500-2100 meters above sea level, these beans develop slowly in Kenya's ideal conditions—rich volcanic soil, perfect rainfall patterns, and that equatorial sun that creates coffee magic.

AA FAQ: Quality without the premium price

The "AA" designation means these are Kenya's largest, most developed beans (screen size 17/18), traditionally associated with the finest flavours and most essential oils. "FAQ" stands for "Fair Average Quality"—Kenya's way of offering exceptional coffee that scores consistently in the 82-84+ range without the premium pricing of auction lots.

Think of it as Kenya's way of making world-class coffee accessible. Same growing conditions, same meticulous processing, same volcanic terroir—just without the eye-watering price tag of the auction winners.

The full wash process

Every bean follows Kenya's legendary processing method: careful cherry selection, flotation sorting to remove defects, precise fermentation, thorough washing, and gentle sun-drying on raised beds. This creates that clean, bright profile that makes Kenyan coffee instantly recognisable and universally loved.

Why we're proud to offer this

This coffee represents everything Frank's Coffee believes in: quality without pretension, innovation serving tradition, and exceptional coffee made accessible to everyone. The Ruiru II variety shows how modern coffee science can preserve and enhance the characteristics we love, while the AA FAQ grade proves that excellent coffee doesn't always require auction prices.

Brewing this classic

• Pour Over/V60: 1:16 ratio, 94°C water. Perfect for showcasing that bright acidity and complex fruit character.
• French Press: 1:15 ratio, 4-minute brew. Brings out the body and those roasted nut notes beautifully.
• Espresso: Expect bright acidity with caramel sweetness—incredible in milk drinks where that citrus cuts through perfectly.

The Details

• Regions: Aberdare Range, Kisii, Nyanza, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kericho
• Variety: Ruiru II
• Process: Fully Washed & Sun Dried
• Grade: AA FAQ
• Altitude: 1500-2100 masl
• SCA Score: 82.25+

Perfect for

• Coffee lovers discovering Kenyan coffee for the first time
• Anyone wanting that classic "blackcurrant bomb" Kenyan profile
• Daily drinking when you want something special but approachable
• Understanding how modern varieties can honour coffee traditions

This coffee proves that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to create something both familiar and exciting—classic Kenyan character from a variety built for the future.

Questions about Kenyan coffee? We're passionate about sharing the stories behind every origin. Visit us in the café or get in touch—there's always more to discover about the regions and varieties that make each coffee unique.

Pictures by Peter Gakuo from perfectdailygrind.com