SL28 & SL34 - Finca Libre

Introducing an SL28/SL34 from Finca Libre, grown with a progressive and thoughtful approach to cultivation (Finca Libre) and processing (Brida Azul). This lot highlights the adaptability and character of these classic Kenyan varieties in a new context.
Originally developed in Kenya, SL28 and SL34 are celebrated for their cup quality, typically associated with vibrant acidity, structured sweetness, and a distinctive clarity. While they’re most famously tied to East Africa, their expression can be remarkably dynamic when cultivated elsewhere, offering both familiarity and surprise in the cup.

This is a coffee that evolves significantly with extraction. With lower extraction, it leans into a vibrant, citrus-driven profile with a grapefruit like acidity and a deep yet easy sweetness of maracuja and to be honest it reminded us of Jaffa cake (a baked good with chocolate and this weird fruit gelly inside). When extracted higher, the profile deepens and softens, revealing a creamier, more rounded character with moderate funk. Here the acidity becomes softer like cherry and the finish gets a tough of milk chocolate. a bit like Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. We are usually not drawn to chocolaty attributes at all but with coffee it clicks. It adds complexity and doesnt overwhelmes the overall fruit forward character at all.

We decided to roast this coffee very lightly (usually we develop naturals a bit more to enrich their sweetness), to emphasizes its clarity and the layered structure and complexity over body and intensity. It is no surprise to us that our friend Urs Rotzinger placed 2nd in 2024 (before he eventually won the brewers cup the year after) with this coffee since with its balance this is a true treat for Scoresheets. We are super happy that Urs prepped us a video telling us about this coffee with his brewing approach. Find it on Instagram :)

Enjoy and thank you Finca Libre and Brida Azul for this beauty! Cheers!

• coming soon