SL28 & SL34 — Kenyan Resilience, Berry & Wine-Like Elegance
SL28 and SL34 are two of Kenya’s most celebrated Arabica selections, admired for their berry-forward, blackcurrant, and wine-like cup profiles. Developed through Kenya’s research programs and propagated widely by smallholders, these varieties helped define the classic “Kenyan” taste many roasters chase each harvest. This guide explains origin and agronomy, what to expect in the cup, and how Scofi helps Malaysian buyers secure green coffee lots that deliver that signature clarity and intensity.
Kenyan Lineage — How SL Varieties Shaped Specialty Coffee
The “SL” prefix refers to selections connected to Kenya’s historic breeding and research efforts. Over decades, agronomists evaluated thousands of trees for cup quality, yield, and resilience under Kenyan conditions. From that work, SL28 and SL34 emerged as standouts. While the genetic ancestry traces to early Arabica introductions (including Typica- and Bourbon-related material), the Kenyan evaluation and selection are what made these two cultivars distinct and globally influential.
In practice, SL28 and SL34 were adopted across highland counties where smallholders deliver cherries to cooperative factories (wet mills). This supply structure—ripe cherry intake, meticulous sorting, cool-night drying—paired perfectly with the varieties’ ability to translate elevation and careful processing into vivid flavors. As specialty markets matured, SL28 and SL34 became synonymous with currant, berry, citrus, and winey structure, often scoring among the most memorable lots on cupping tables worldwide.
Nickname
Harvest Windows
Processing
Resilience & Field Behavior — SL28 vs SL34
Both varieties are known for expressive acidity and sweetness, but they behave a little differently in the field. SL28 tends to perform well at higher elevations with cool nights and can show good tolerance to dry spells, making it attractive in regions where rainfall is less predictable. SL34 is often associated with vigorous growth in slightly wetter conditions and can deliver excellent cup quality when disease pressure is managed and picking is selective.
For buyers, the agronomy takeaway is this: the best SL lots come from attentive farms and factories that get the fundamentals right—ripe cherry selection, careful depulping and fermentation, thorough washing, even drying, and clean storage. These steps protect the volatile aromatics that give SL28/SL34 their berry and wine-like signatures.
Spec Snapshot — Evaluating SL28 & SL34 Lots
| Parameter | Target | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | ≈1,600–2,000+ m.a.s.l. | Cool nights heighten acidity and aromatic retention. |
| Moisture | ~10–12% | Roast consistency and shelf stability in Malaysia climate. |
| Process | Washed (traditional Kenyan), selective naturals | Washed emphasizes clarity; naturals tilt to ripe berry/jam. |
| Drying | Raised beds; covered during rain & midday sun | Prevents phenolics, preserves sweetness & fruit. |
Ask for factory-level details: fermentation time, soak duration, bed rotation, and storage logs. SL perfumes are vivid but fragile—post-harvest discipline is the difference between “great” and “good”.
Taste Profile — Berry, Blackcurrant & Wine-Like Notes
Expect blackcurrant, red berry, grapefruit or orange zest, sometimes tomato-like sweetness in the best washed lots. The acidity is typically sparkling and structured, with a syrupy mid-palate and a long, wine-like finish. Natural or experimental versions push into ripe berry compote, plum, and red wine territory, but cleanliness remains key—muddy drying can flatten the high notes that make SLs special.
- Washed SL28/SL34: hallmark clarity; blackcurrant, berry, citrus; crisp structure; lingering sweetness.
- Natural/Experimental: amplified fruit and body; cup carefully to ensure cleanliness outweighs fermentation character.
- Blend Role: small doses can add lively acidity and fruit pop to espresso blends without sacrificing balance.
Filter Baseline
Espresso Baseline
Milk Guidance
Why SL28 & SL34 Are Prized Globally
Three reasons: distinctive flavor identity, terroir transparency, and processing tradition. The top SL lots are instantly recognizable on blind tables: currant-like aromatics, citrus-sparkle, and winey depth. They also transmit micro-region differences beautifully—lots from neighboring factories can show nuanced distinctions simply due to elevation and processing rhythm. Finally, Kenya’s washed tradition—with selective hand-picking, fermentation/soak steps, and raised-bed drying—maximizes clean fruit and acidity.
For roasters in Malaysia, the key is matching intent to budget. Auction-level microlots are stunning but scarce. Fortunately, well-selected AA/AB grades from reputable factories can deliver the signature profile at more accessible prices. Prioritize fresh arrival, moisture targets, and clean cupping over chasing the rarest label.
Run a “Kenyan Feature” filter flight alongside a chocolate-forward Brazil and a floral Ethiopia. Contrast educates the palate and increases perceived value.
Buying Guide — From Offer Sheet to Cup in Malaysia
When you receive an offer, check factory name, elevation band, screen size (AA/AB), process description, and arrival analytics (moisture/activity if supplied). Request fresh samples and cup on your water. SL28/SL34 lots are expressive but can fade if drying or storage slipped. After approval, plan your roast curves: protect charge, avoid scorching, extend Maillard enough to develop sweetness, and finish where acidity stays crystalline.
Offer Matching
QC On Arrival
Roast Support
How Scofi Helps — Cup-Verified SL28/SL34 from Local Malaysia Stock
As Scofi (SOO HUP SENG TRADING CO SDN BHD), we maintain a shortlist of SL28 & SL34 green coffee that meet your flavor goals. We coordinate sampling from local inventory to cut lead times, verify quality on arrival, and arrange domestic delivery or pickup. Whether you need a feature filter lot or a versatile AA/AB for blends, we focus on clean, expressive cups that represent the Kenyan profile.
- Traceable proposals with factory, elevation, screen, and processing details.
- Packaging advice (jute + GrainPro or vacuum) to suit Malaysia’s humidity.
- Post-purchase support: roast notes, brew ratios, and menu copy pointers.
Explore Typica, Bourbon, Geisha, and Processing Methods.
Keep Exploring With Scofi
Samples, approval, delivery — step-by-step.
Market drivers & budgeting for premium lots.
Why Malaysian buyers choose Scofi local stock.
Moisture, screen, defects, cupping protocol.
FAQ — SL28 & SL34 Arabica
1) What makes SL28 different from SL34?
2) What flavors should I expect?
3) Are SL coffees always washed?
4) How do AA and AB grades relate to quality?
5) Any roasting advice for SL28/SL34?
6) How should I brew to highlight currant notes?
7) Do SL varieties grow outside Kenya?
8) What affects price the most?
9) Storage tips for Malaysia’s humidity?
10) Can Scofi supply SL28/SL34 now?
Ready To Sample SL28 & SL34 For Your Next Feature?
Tell us your flavor target, volume, and budget — we’ll shortlist Kenyan-profile offers, send local samples, and arrange domestic delivery or pickup.