Arabica · Coffee Variety
SL34
SL34 is SL28's frequent field companion, selected at Scott Laboratories from French Mission (Bourbon-descended) stock growing at Loresho, Kenya. It tolerates wetter, lower conditions than SL28 and yields somewhat better, which made the pair complementary across Kenyan estates.
In the cup it runs slightly heavier and rounder than SL28 — deep sweetness, dark fruit, citrus — while still unmistakably Kenyan. Most classic Kenyan auction lots are field blends of the two SLs, and few buyers separate them commercially.
SL34 at a glance
| Species | Arabica |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya) from French Mission Bourbon stock |
| Plant stature | Tall, dark bronze-tipped leaves |
| Yield potential | Moderate to good |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD |
| Optimal altitude | 1,300–2,000 m; handles heavier rainfall than SL28 |
| Bean size | Large |
| Cup profile | Dark fruit, heavy sweet body, bright citrus finish |
Where SL34 is grown
SL34 — frequently asked questions
How do SL28 and SL34 differ in the cup?
Broadly: SL28 brings the electric blackcurrant acidity, SL34 the weight and dark-fruit sweetness. Since most Kenyan lots blend both from the same fields, the distinction matters more to breeders than buyers.
Is SL34 a Bourbon?
Genetic analysis places SL34 closer to Typica-related stock despite its French Mission (Bourbon) field history — a reminder that colonial-era seed lots were rarely pure. It is best treated as its own selection.
Why are the SL varieties being replaced in Kenya?
CBD and rust pressure plus climate volatility push factories toward resistant Ruiru 11 and Batian. Quality-focused estates keep SL blocks because the auction premium still outweighs the agronomic risk at altitude.
Sourcing SL34? Volcana Coffee grows and exports high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — with SGS-inspected quality and full export documentation.
Request a SampleRelated coffee varieties
Typica
Clean, sweet, silky body with delicate citrus and floral notes at altitude.
Bourbon
Caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel.
Caturra
Bright citric acidity, sugar-cane sweetness, lighter body than Bourbon.
SL28
Blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic Kenya profile.