SL28
SL28 is one of the most renowned Arabica coffee varieties from Kenya, with “SL” standing for Scott Laboratories. Rather than being a deliberately bred hybrid, this variety was selected naturally from wild genetic stock.
SL28 is a tall-growing tree with large leaves that show a bronze-red color when young. Its cherries are large and turn deep red when ripe. The variety is well adapted to drought conditions and performs best at elevations of 1,400 to 2,000 meters. In the cup, SL28 is known for its bright citrus and berry acidity, layered with a sharp note reminiscent of ripe tomato, followed by a light molasses-like sweetness in the finish.
SL28 is regarded as one of the “four great heirloom varieties” alongside Gesha, Bourbon, and Typica, cultivars that helped define the highest standards of coffee quality.
