We purchased this coffee during a sourcing trip to Colombia in November 2025.

SL28 is one of the most well-known and highly regarded coffee cultivars in the specialty coffee world. It is also synonymous with Kenyan coffee. However, over the past decade, it has become increasingly difficult to find lots of Kenyan coffee composed exclusively of SL28. Rust-resistant varieties, such as Batian and Ruiru 11, are becoming more prevalent in Kenyan coffee due to their potential resistance to coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Many consider this difficult reality a detriment, as the exceptional taste profile of SL28, with its delicious red fruit aromas, is diluted by blends with other cultivars.

SL28 originated from a drought-resistant selection carried out in Tanzania in 1931 by A.D. Trench, a senior coffee officer working for Scotts Labs. A total of 42 different trees from various origins were selected for the study to evaluate their yield, quality, and resistance to drought and disease. The final SL seeds were put into cultivation in the late 1930s. Recent genetic analyses have revealed that it comes from the Bourbon Arabica genetic lineage. This cultivar is renowned among growers and producers for being extremely robust, able to withstand neglect and continue producing decades later.

That said, it's always very exciting to come across a pure lot of SL28, this one from "Don Lino" in Huila, Colombia. Lino is an experienced grower and producer. We visited him in November 2025 and tasted about thirty different lots from his latest harvest. The coffees were incredible, and a few single-cultivar lots particularly stood out. This coffee was one of them.

Once the ripe fruits are harvested and subjected to flotation to remove low-density fruits (seeds), the coffee is quickly pulped. The mucilage-covered seeds are then placed in airtight tanks for about 30 hours. After this initial fermentation, the seeds are carefully cleaned and slowly dried as clean parchment on raised beds for 20 to 25 days. This slow drying, followed by a resting period, is essential for quality and its stability over time.

Expect a classic SL28 cultivar flavor profile, through the lens of Huila, Colombia. Red fruity, herbaceous, rhubarb notes, and a hint of brown sugar on the finish. What a pleasure to be able to taste this incredible cultivar handled by an incredible producer.

Producer: Linarco Rodríguez

Farm: Betania

Location: Palestina, Huila, Colombia

Species: Arabica

Cultivar: SL28

Process: Washed Parchment

Drying: Drying Beds

Altitude: 2,000m

Harvest type: Manual

Exporter: Cafe de Origen

Importer: Cata

Green coffee moisture content at time of purchase: 10.2%

Farm gate price:

Au cœur de sa communauté de caféiculteurs se trouve Linarco Rodríguez, affectueusement appelé « Don Lino ». Il incarne à la fois le leadership et l’humilité, combinant de profondes connaissances agricoles avec un désir constant d’amélioration.

Au fil des ans, Don Lino a introduit des avancées dans la récolte sélective, le contrôle de la fermentation et les techniques de séchage, élevant les normes de qualité non seulement sur sa ferme, mais aussi dans toute la région. Son engagement va au-delà de la production : il encadre de jeunes producteurs, promeut des pratiques respectueuses de l’environnement et soutient activement les initiatives qui renforcent la communauté locale.

Filter Coffee
Ratio 1:17
15g ground coffee
255g water (between 92-99°c depending on brewing device)

The brewing device is not very important; we use the Orea porcelain for its fast flow rate and design.

The most important thing is to grind fresh coffee and use low-mineral water.

Espresso

If you have professional-grade equipment, you can prepare a delicious espresso with this coffee.

Aim for a 1:3 ratio and enjoy!