Fincamigos SL28 FW

With their demonstration farm, Fincamigos, Cafexport is exploring more sustainable ways to cultivate high-quality specialty coffee. They hope to make a more lasting positive social impact and to preserve and rejuvenate coffee farm ecosystems.

Their lots are comprised of some of the mostly highly-sought-after coffee varieties including Sudan Rume, Geisha, Tabi, Laurina and the SL28 in this lot. These varieties are all known for their high cupping scores and complex profiles.

This lot is composed of 100% SL28. Released by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) in Kenya in 1930s and 1940s, SL28 remains highly sought after today. While the variety is mainly cultivated in Kenya, Cafexport is trialing cultivation in Colombia. Cafexport hopes that through their trial on Fincamigos this unusual variety will become more viable for Colombian producers in the future. SL28 is known for producing a floral and fruity cup with notes of blackcurrant and stone fruit.

Cafexport cultivates a range of high quality varieties at Fincamigos. They produced their first Tabi, Geisha and Sudan Rume lots in 2020 and their first Laurina lot in 2021.

Fincamigos preserves 4 hectares for forest conservation. They have planted more than 650 native trees and plants. These native species help rejuvenate the ecosystem and create a habitat for the migratory birds that pass through the region each year.

Cherry is selectively handpicked and then pulped in a drum pulper. Coffee is fermented in water for approximately 48 hoursand then laid on drying beds. Parchment sundries for approximately 8 days. Parchment is turned frequently to ensure drying.

SL28 and SL34 were just two of the cultivars released by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) during the height of SAL’s research in Kenya in the 1930s and 1940s. They soon became the cultivars of choice for most growers due to their deep root structure that allows them to maximize scarce water resources and flourish even without irrigation. SL varieties also had higher yields than the French Bourbon rootstock that they replaced and were known to be somewhat more disease resistant.

While SL varieties are still highly sought after today, they’ve become less widely cultivated in Kenya due to their relatively low resistance to coffee leaf rust (CLR). Compared to more recent varieties, SL varieties are more susceptible to diseases and pests and require very specific altitudes and climates to flourish. However, that hasn’t stopped specialty-focused farmers, who, inspired by the flavors and popularity of SL varieties, have have spread the cultivation of SL varieties worldwide.

Great coffee is built on great relationships. We’ve been working with our in-country partner in Colombia, Cafexport, to find farmers who are producing delicious coffees and connect them with you.Cafexport, our in-country partner, is built on the strength of 20 years of meaningful and productive relationships with Colombian coffee cooperatives.

Most of the coffees we purchase from Cafexport are the product of many years of partnership between Cafexport, cooperatives, and farmers. Many are also certified, traceable coffees whose certification, combined with high quality processing and preparation, are sought after by established roasters across the globe.

The majority of the cooperatives with whom we work through Cafexport are from the regions of Caldas, Huila, Tolima, Antioquia, Quindío, Santander, and Magdalena. We like to keep our list of sourcing regions long because diversification allows us to offer coffee with different specifications, flavors and harvest and shipping times to suit every need.