Kenya · Variety
SL28 Coffee from Kenya
SL28 is one of the defining varieties of Kenyan coffee. Kenya grows coffee at 1,400–2,100 m across regions such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and SL28 — a Arabica of Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya, 1935) from Tanganyika drought-resistant stock — occupies an important place in that landscape. Its preferred range of 1,400–2,100 m aligns with what Kenyan farms can offer, which is a large part of why the pairing works.
Agronomically, SL28 brings a demanding but rewarding profile — susceptible to rust and cbd; excellent drought tolerance — with moderate yields on a tall, broad leaves, bronze tips plant. In Kenya, where the harvest runs main crop october – december; fly crop april – june and annual production is ≈750,000 60-kg bags, those traits shape which farms plant it and how its lots reach the export market through Mombasa.
In the cup, Kenyan SL28 expresses both sides of its parentage: the variety contributes blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, while Kenya's terroir adds the character the origin is known for — blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine brightness, cane sugar; sparkling complex acidity with juicy, wine-like structure — coffee's high-acid reference point. Buyers comparing SL28 across origins will find the Kenyan expression distinct for exactly that reason.
Key facts
| Variety | SL28 |
|---|---|
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya, 1935) from Tanganyika drought-resistant stock |
| Optimal altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Kenya growing altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Harvest season | Main crop October – December; fly crop April – June |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD; excellent drought tolerance |
| Bean size | Large |
| Typical Kenyan cup | Blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine brightness, cane sugar; sparkling complex acidity with juicy, wine-like structure — coffee's high-acid reference point. |
Related Kenya regions
SL28 Coffee from Kenya — frequently asked questions
Where in Kenya is SL28 grown?
Primarily across Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, at elevations of 1,400–2,100 m. The variety's preferred range of 1,400–2,100 m means the higher zones tend to produce the most expressive lots.
What does Kenyan SL28 taste like?
Expect the variety's core character — blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile — shaped by Kenya's terroir toward blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine brightness, cane sugar; sparkling complex acidity with juicy, wine-like structure — coffee's high-acid reference point.
When is SL28 from Kenya available fresh?
The Kenyan harvest runs main crop october – december; fly crop april – june; fresh-crop lots typically reach consuming markets one to three months after milling, shipped via Mombasa.
Volcana Coffee exports high-grown Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — washed, natural, and honey processed, SGS-inspected, with full export documentation. Cup our origin against any in the world.
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