Kickapoo Coffee Roasters, one of my long-time favorite roasters, recently rebranded themselves Wonderstate Coffee. Their new branding and packaging is gorgeous. It is inspired by the Kintsugi style of art, which is where something broken is fixed and made stronger and more beautiful (it’s a beautiful art form you should check out if you are unfamiliar). For Wonderstate, it’s a metaphor for the name change and their desire to hold themselves accountable to their past as well as strengthening their commitment to their values (paying farmers more, sustainability and social justice). And while their name and branding have changed, the quality of their coffee certainly has not—this Kenyan coffee is a testament to that.
This Kenyan coffee was truly a special and complex coffee. It began with a creamy, sweet fragrance with notes of chocolate and plum; the aroma was robust and full. The flavor was equally robust with deep fruit notes, raw sugar sweetness and a sweet-tart profile. The acidity was pronounced, but also balanced and not overpowering. The coffee was intricate, complex and deep. The coffee filled my mouth on every sip with a full, rounded mouthfeel. The aftertaste lingered with the sweetness staying long past each sip.
The Bottom Line
Kenya Mbeguka was an incredibly dynamic and complex cup of coffee. It was so rich and full of avenues to explore. It truly represents all the best that a Kenyan coffee can offer.
