What is the SL28 variety origin?

The history of SL28 is deeply intertwined with the development of the Kenyan coffee industry. In the 1930s, Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SL) in Kenya began a rigorous selection program to identify coffee trees that could thrive in the local climate while producing a superior cup. The 'SL' series was the result of this work, and SL28 stands out as the most famous of the bunch.

SL28 was selected from a single tree of the Tanganyika Drought Resistant variety. It was chosen specifically for its drought tolerance and its ability to produce a high-quality cup, even in the challenging conditions of the Kenyan highlands. Its flavor profile—often described as having blackcurrant, citrus, and tomato-like acidity—has defined the 'Kenyan profile' that specialty coffee drinkers around the world have come to love.

Despite its fame, SL28 is not without its challenges. It is highly susceptible to major coffee diseases like Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and coffee leaf rust. This has led to the development of newer varieties like Ruiru 11 and Batian, which aim to maintain the quality of SL28 while adding disease resistance. However, many farmers and roasters remain loyal to SL28 because of its unmatched sensory characteristics.

For the reader, SL28 is a perfect example of how specific cultivars can define the character of a region. When you see 'SL28' on a bag of Kenyan coffee, you are looking at a variety that has been carefully curated for nearly a century. It is a reminder that the coffee in your cup is the result of decades of agricultural research and the persistent efforts of farmers to balance quality with the realities of farming.