Kenya Coffee: What Makes It AA+?

Kenya is a powerhouse in the world of coffee. Its beans are bright, complex, and packed with flavour. But if you’ve ever picked up a bag labelled “Kenya AA,” you might have wondered—what does that mean? And what about AA+? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Kenya’s Coffee Grading System

Kenyan coffee is graded based on bean size, which is believed to impact flavour. The system goes like this:

  • AA – The largest beans, screen size 17 or 18 (meaning they won’t pass through a sieve with holes smaller than 17/64 of an inch).
  • AB – Slightly smaller beans, screen size 15 or 16.
  • PB (Peaberry) – A natural mutation where only one bean forms inside the coffee cherry instead of two, leading to a rounder shape.
  • C, E, TT, T – Various other grades, usually smaller or lower quality.

AA is the top grade based on size. But what about AA+?

What Does AA+ Mean?

Technically, “AA+” isn’t an official classification in Kenya’s coffee grading system. Instead, it’s often used by roasters or sellers to indicate AA beans that come from particularly high-quality lots. These might be sourced from single estates, micro lots, or auctions where Kenya’s best coffees are sold.

Some coffee sellers also use AA+ to suggest exceptional flavour, not just bean size. This could mean the coffee scored highly in cupping (a process where professionals evaluate taste, acidity, body, and aroma). In short, AA+ is a way to highlight that coffee isn’t just big—it’s also outstanding.

Kenyan coffee is famous for its bright acidity, juicy body, and complex fruit flavours—think blackcurrant, citrus, and even tomato-like savouriness, caramel aroma and smooth body. The country’s high-altitude farms, volcanic soil, and meticulous processing methods all contribute to these vibrant tastes.

Plus, Kenya has a unique auction system. Each week, the best beans go up for bidding at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, where buyers compete for the top lots. This keeps quality high and gives farmers an incentive to produce incredible coffee.

Should You Buy AA+ Coffee?

If you love bold, flavour-packed coffee, Kenyan AA (or AA+) is a great choice. It’s known for its crisp acidity and deep complexity. Whether “AA+” means a standout lot or just good marketing, it usually signals a coffee worth trying.

Next time you’re looking for a bright and juicy brew, keep an eye out for Kenyan AA. And if you see AA+? That just might mean you’re in for something even better.

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