Mount Elgon (Bugisu) · Variety
SL28 in Mount Elgon (Bugisu)
Mount Elgon (Bugisu) is known for uganda's arabica flagship — bugisu washed coffee from a giant volcano's slopes, and SL28 is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,600–2,200 m — SL28's preferred range is 1,400–2,100 m — and harvest runs october – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
SL28 brings its own agronomic personality to Mount Elgon (Bugisu): 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, natural, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Mount Elgon (Bugisu)'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 blackberry, chocolate, and citrus with winey depth; fuller-bodied than kenyan neighbors, distinctly african-bright. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Mount Elgon (Bugisu) |
|---|---|
| Country | Uganda |
| Region altitude | 1,600–2,200 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Harvest | October – March |
| 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 | Blackberry, chocolate, and citrus with winey depth; fuller-bodied than Kenyan neighbors, distinctly African-bright. |
SL28 in Mount Elgon (Bugisu) — frequently asked questions
Does SL28 grow well in Mount Elgon (Bugisu)?
Yes — the region's 1,600–2,200 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,400–2,100 m, and local processing traditions (washed, natural) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Mount Elgon (Bugisu) is known for.
What does Mount Elgon (Bugisu) SL28 taste like?
Expect blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, expressed through the region's typical character: blackberry, chocolate, and citrus with winey depth; fuller-bodied than kenyan neighbors, distinctly african-bright.
When is SL28 from Mount Elgon (Bugisu) harvested?
The regional harvest runs october – march; 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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