Tarrazú · Variety
SL28 in Tarrazú
Tarrazú is known for costa rica's premier appellation and the cradle of the honey-process revolution, and SL28 is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,200–1,900 m — SL28's preferred range is 1,400–2,100 m — and harvest runs december – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
SL28 brings its own agronomic personality to Tarrazú: 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 honey, washed, natural, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Tarrazú'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 orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Tarrazú |
|---|---|
| Country | Costa Rica |
| Region altitude | 1,200–1,900 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Harvest | December – 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 | Orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness. |
SL28 in Tarrazú — frequently asked questions
Does SL28 grow well in Tarrazú?
Yes — the region's 1,200–1,900 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,400–2,100 m, and local processing traditions (honey, washed, natural) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Tarrazú is known for.
What does Tarrazú SL28 taste like?
Expect blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, expressed through the region's typical character: orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness.
When is SL28 from Tarrazú harvested?
The regional harvest runs december – 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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