As one of the leading cultivators of some of the finest coffees in the world, the country of Kenya has a unique system of rating its coffee beans at point of harvest. At the top of this scale is the treasured “AA” grade, denoting beans with the largest size and most consistent shape of the entire crop. AA-rated coffee beans are renowned for their rich flavor profiles and dazzlingly deep aromas, and the newest addition to our Small Lot Coffee series is no exception. It’s brought to us by a collective of small farmers in Karatu, Kenya, who plant, harvest, and process these AA-rated beans entirely by hand, to ensure that every sip is superlatively smooth and satisfying.

Once ground and brewed to your personal preferences, Trader Joe’s Kenya AA Karatu Small Lot Coffee makes a complex, yet balanced cup, with a bold, full body that’s complemented by a pleasantly citric acid structure. While it’s an excellent (albeit elevated) everyday kind of coffee, we find it serves especially well as part of a big breakfast or brunch: its bright notes of black currant and cacao make it a great pairing option with a flaky chocolate croissant, an auspicious eggs Benedict, or a tall stack of pancakes covered in fresh berries.