SL28, SL34

Botanicals SL28 and SL34 are true stars in the world of specialty coffee, originating from Kenya, which is renowned for producing some of the most complex and prized coffees in the world.

They were selected in the former Scott Agricultural Laboratories. Individual selections of shrubs were designated with the prefix SL. There were 42 of them in total and they were tested for yield, quality and resistance to drought and disease.

SL28 – the queen of the Kenyan highlands

SL28 is one of the most famous and prized African varieties. From Kenya, where it was originally selected in the 1930s, it has spread to other parts of Africa (it is particularly important in the Arabica growing regions of Uganda) and now to Latin America. The variety is suitable for cultivation at medium to high altitudes and is drought resistant, but susceptible to the main coffee diseases. SL28 is characterised by its rusticity - a characteristic that means it can be left unattended for several years, even decades, and then returned to successful production. Many parts of Kenya have SL28 trees that are 60-80 years old and still productive. Recent genetic testing has confirmed that SL28 is related to the Bourbon genetic group. It has become prized for its sweet, complex flavour with wine notes.

SL34 – the resilient master of taste

While the SL28 was developed for arid regions, the SL34 was created to cope with harsher, wetter conditions, using genes derived from Bourbon coffee, which is known for its endurance.
It is a variety that is more resistant to rain and changing weather conditions. In terms of taste, SL34 offers deep notes of dark berries, plums and chocolate, with a distinct acidity that makes each sip rich and balanced. Recent genetic tests have shown that SL34 is related to the Typica genetic group.

Both varieties became pillars of Kenyan coffee production, offering not only excellent quality but also adaptation to different climatic conditions. Thanks to research and selection, the SL28 and SL34 varieties have permanently etched themselves into the history of specialty coffees, and today are valued worldwide for their unique flavor profiles.