SL34 Coffee Beans

SL34 was selected in Kenya between 1935 and 1939 at the Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kabete, from a single tree on the Loresho Estate. The tree was labelled 'French Mission', suggesting Bourbon lineage, and the "SL" prefix reflects the Scott Labs origin — the same programme that produced SL28. Both varietals were developed to identify trees with high yield potential and cup quality suited to Kenyan growing conditions.

SL34 is associated with a bold, fruit-forward cup: blackcurrant and dark berry acidity are characteristic, with a full body and good sweetness when grown at altitude. It's less widely celebrated than SL28 but produces comparable complexity, particularly from high-altitude Kenyan lots processed through traditional washed stations. Filter brewing brings out the acidity and clarity best.

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