PORTFOLIO COVERAGE
Origins & Specialty Grading Architecture
Kimson Coffee coordinates green bean sourcing across major East and Central African botanical belts. We categorize lots by screen size, processing method, and cupping score using SCA standards.
Sensory Evaluation & QA Protocols
Before any physical lot is scheduled for container stuffing, representative green bean samples are processed through our partner cupping laboratories in Nairobi. Vetted Q-Graders score each lot using the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) protocol.
We analyze six primary variables to construct sensory fingerprints: Acidity, Body, Aroma, Clean Cup, Uniformity, and Overall Balance. Only lots achieving a consolidated score of 80 points or higher are eligible for our specialty grade export catalog.
Vibrancy & brightness from phosphoric and malic levels.
Mouthfeel viscosity, measured from light to heavy creamy.
Fragrance of dry grounds and wet olfactory break.
Absence of defects from picking to dry milling.
Consistency of bean behavior across five cups.
Holistic grading reflecting regional typicity.
Density & Moisture Safeguards
Water activity is carefully controlled. Standard export lots must test within:
Moisture: 9.0% – 12.0%
Water Activity: < 0.60 aw
Defect Capping: SCA Primary 0, Secondary < 5
Regional Sourcing & Standard Grading Matrix
Refer to our standard botanical classifications and screen sizes processed across origins:
| ORIGIN | PRIMARY BOTANICAL VARIETALS | PROCESSING FORMATS | STANDARD GRADING MATRIX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | SL28, SL34, Batian, Ruiru 11 | Fully Washed, Natural | AA (Screen 17/18), AB (Screen 15/16), PB (Peaberry), C, TT, T |
| Uganda | Native Robusta, Bugisu Arabica | Natural (Drugar), Washed | Screen 18, Screen 15, Screen 12 |
| Rwanda | Bourbon Arabica | Fully Washed | Grade 1 (Fully Washed), Grade 2 |
| DRC / Tanzania | Bourbon, Kent, Blue Mountain | Washed, Natural | AA, AB, PB (Peaberry) |
* Screen size designations reference 64ths of an inch. Grade AA corresponds to screen sizes 17 and 18, and Grade AB corresponds to screen sizes 15 and 16.