This is our first time working with a fully traceable, single-producer SL28 separation from Kenya. This project has been in the works for some time, but it truly came together during our last trip, sharing a meal with the Mbature family. This lot captures everything we seek in both Kenyan coffee and SL28. In the cup, we find blackberry, rooibos, and candied grapefruit.
SL28
Embu
1,680 masl
September, 2024
Harvested at peak ripeness. Hand-sorted and floated to further remove defects. Depulped on the day of harvest. Mixed to ensure uniform distribution. Dry fermented for 18-20 hours in darkness. Washed and turned repeatedly in fresh water until the post-washing water remains clean. Dry fermented for an additional 24 hours. Washed again, then floated through channels to sort by density and remove any remaining defects. Dried on raised beds under shade nets until moisture content reaches 16%, then moved to upper beds to finish drying to ~10.5%.
ABOUT THE MBATURE FAMILY
Kamavindi was founded in 1958 by the late John Njiru Mbature during British colonial rule. Originally a 20-hectare (~50-acre) farm, it began with just 100 coffee trees—the legal limit for native Africans at the time. When restrictions were lifted in 1961, John planted an additional 500 trees. Over the years, Kamavindi expanded to 10,000 trees, with 7,000 SL28 and 3,000 Ruiru 11. Now managed by Peter Mbature, his mother Hellen Weveti, and his sister Gladwell Wanjira, the farm is transitioning to a full SL28 planting. They are also establishing a training center to educate farmers and coffee buyers on processing and farm management, further investing in the future of Kenyan coffee.
ABOUT SL28
The “SL” in SL28 refers to single-tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories between 1935 and 1939. A member of the Bourbon genetic group, SL28 was selected for its drought resistance and outstanding cup quality. It remains one of the most well-regarded varieties in Africa and has since spread from Kenya to other parts of the continent, as well as Central and South America. A non-hybrid variety, SL28 is highly susceptible to disease.
Pricing Details
DIRECT
$25.90/KG
The cost of getting a coffee from cherry to beverage varies enormously depending on its place of origin and the location of its consumption. The inclusion of price transparency is a starting point to inform broader conversation around the true costs of production and the sustainability of specialty coffee as a whole.