Finca Los Naranjos: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
The Legacy of SL-28: A Kenyan Varietal Thriving in El Salvador
SL-28 is one of the most celebrated coffee varietals in the world, originally developed in Kenya for its drought resistance and exceptional cup quality. Known for its bright, juicy acidity and complex fruit flavors, SL-28 has long been a staple of Kenyan coffee production, contributing to the country's reputation for producing some of the most distinctive and sought-after coffees globally. This varietal is cherished for its ability to showcase vibrant citrus notes, deep berry-like sweetness, and a crisp, wine-like structure that makes it stand out in the specialty coffee world.
Finca Los Naranjos
Finca Los Naranjos, nestled in the highlands of El Salvador, is a standout farm that has gained recognition for its dedication to cultivating exceptional coffee. One of its most exciting projects has been the transplantation of the SL-28 varietal, a native Kenyan coffee plant known for its vibrant acidity and bold flavor profile. By growing this renowned varietal in El Salvador’s rich volcanic soil and ideal climate, the farm has created a unique coffee that merges the best qualities of both regions. This careful cultivation results in a coffee that carries the bright, fruit-forward character of Kenyan beans while maintaining the balance and sweetness characteristic of El Salvadorian coffee.
What makes this SL-28 from Finca Los Naranjos particularly remarkable is how flawlessly it delivers the signature flavors associated with Kenyan coffee. Each cup bursts with expressive grapefruit-like citrus notes, adding a lively, tangy brightness to the taster's experience. These tart and zesty flavors are complemented by the natural sweetness of dried apricot, lending a rounded, fruit-forward depth. The warmth of panela and raw sugar further enriches the profile, creating a complex yet harmonious balance of acidity and sweetness. This makes it a compelling choice for coffee lovers who appreciate both the clarity and structure of Kenyan beans and the smooth, rich tones that El Salvador’s coffee-growing regions are known for.
Beyond its impressive flavor profile, this coffee represents the innovation and passion that drives Finca Los Naranjos. By experimenting with the SL-28 varietal in an unexpected environment, the team has demonstrated how specific cultivation techniques can shape and enhance a coffee’s characteristics. This hybrid flavor experience—where Kenyan heritage meets the growing conditions of El Salvador—offers a fascinating exploration of how coffee can adapt and evolve over time and terrain. The result is a cup that feels both familiar yet unique, a testament to the farm’s commitment to quality and exploration in specialty coffee cultivation.
From the Roasters
“When blindly cupping this coffee side by side a handful of others, I mistook it for a coffee from Kenya, which in reality it is exactly, in that its a varietal that has been created and cultivated exclusively in Kenya. We get some really exciting experiences when producers experiment and grow native varietals from other very different coffee-producing regions in their own farms. This coffee is so special and unique for that reason! This coffee tastes even more beautifully and classically like a Kenya than many other Kenyan-grown coffees this year!”
-Keith Lilja. Co-Owner & Head Roaster