SL28 Coffee Beans

SL28 was selected by the Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya during the 1930s as part of a broader programme to identify high-quality, high-yield Arabica trees suited to Kenyan growing conditions. The "SL" prefix refers to the Laboratories themselves. SL28 is believed to descend from a drought-resistant variety brought to Kenya from Tanganyika, with possible links to heirloom Ethiopian and Sudanese genetics — the full lineage remains debated, but its cup quality is not.

In the cup, SL28 is one of the most distinctive varietals in specialty coffee: intense blackcurrant and dark berry acidity, full body, and a complexity that holds up well across roast styles. It thrives at altitude in the Central and Nyeri regions of Kenya, where long dry seasons and volcanic soils amplify its characteristic profile. Filter brewing at medium-light roast brings out the most from this varietal. It has also been planted experimentally in Central and South America with promising results, though Kenyan lots remain the benchmark.

Browse related varietals: SL34 · SL28 varietal guide · All varietal guides