Kirinyaga · Variety
SL28 in Kirinyaga
Kirinyaga is known for mount kenya's southern slopes — nyeri's equal in intensity, often its superior in sweetness, and SL28 is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,600–2,000 m — SL28's preferred range is 1,400–2,100 m — and harvest runs main: october – december; fly: june – august, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
SL28 brings its own agronomic personality to Kirinyaga: a tall, broad leaves, bronze tips plant with moderate yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust and cbd; excellent drought tolerance. Regional processing leans on washed, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Kirinyaga's expression stands apart: the variety contributes blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, while the regional cup runs toward red berries, rhubarb, citrus, and cane sugar; vibrant complex acidity with a syrupy, sweet finish. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Kirinyaga |
|---|---|
| Country | Kenya |
| Region altitude | 1,600–2,000 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Harvest | Main: October – December; fly: June – August |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya, 1935) from Tanganyika drought-resistant stock |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD; excellent drought tolerance |
| Regional cup profile | Red berries, rhubarb, citrus, and cane sugar; vibrant complex acidity with a syrupy, sweet finish. |
SL28 in Kirinyaga — frequently asked questions
Does SL28 grow well in Kirinyaga?
Yes — the region's 1,600–2,000 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,400–2,100 m, and local processing traditions (washed) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Kirinyaga is known for.
What does Kirinyaga SL28 taste like?
Expect blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, expressed through the region's typical character: red berries, rhubarb, citrus, and cane sugar; vibrant complex acidity with a syrupy, sweet finish.
When is SL28 from Kirinyaga harvested?
The regional harvest runs main: october – december; fly: june – august; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
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