SL28

SL28 was selected in 1935 by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya from a single tree within a population known as Tanganyika Drought Resistant, itself traced back to a drought tolerant plant found in what is now Tanzania. Kenyan researchers were looking for varieties that could withstand drought and disease, and SL28 was chosen for onward breeding and distribution. It went on to become one of the most celebrated coffee varieties in the world, associated with an intense, wine-like acidity and blackcurrant character, and it spread from Kenya into Uganda and later into parts of Latin America. Some original Kenyan trees are still bearing fruit six to eight decades after planting, but the variety is low yielding and vulnerable to leaf rust and coffee berry disease, so it survives mainly because of its exceptional cup quality.