Volcán Azul, Costa Rica

Volcán Azul, managed by Alejo Castro Kahle, is situated on the fertile volcanic slopes of the Poás Volcano in Central Valley at altitudes ranging from 1600-1900 masl., complemented by a state-of-the-art mill. Alejo and his team are dedicated to maintaining and improving coffee quality, honouring their family’s long legacy of outstanding coffee for several generations. Their willingness to innovate and develop has been essential to our collaborative efforts, which has seen us initiate a lot of experimentation on their farm for the coming years, which we are excited to share with all of you.

Their meticulous, experimental processing highlights varieties like Geisha, SL28, Typica, Casiopea, and SL34, yielding cups alive with floral aromas, tropical fruit, and elegant sweetness. 

Honored with several prizes and awards, including top positions in Cup of Excellence, Volcán Azul is a living proof that continous innovation and experimentation is necessary to move the industry forward and produce unique coffee experiences.

SL28

SL28 is one of the best-known Kenyan coffee selections. Scott Agricultural Laboratories (the “SL” in the name) selected it in 1931 from a drought-tolerant Bourbon-related population that had originated in Tanganyika (present-day Tanzania). Of the varieties they evaluated, it stood out for its combination of drought tolerance and exceptional cup quality. Genetic studies place it firmly in the Bourbon group. In the cup, SL28 is prized for intense, juicy acidity and complex fruit notes, with blackcurrant, citrus and tomato-like savoury sweetness being the classic Kenyan descriptors. Agronomically it is a tall, vigorous plant with a wide canopy, long internodes and characteristically bronze-tipped young leaves. Yields are moderate at best. Its big weakness is disease susceptibility: it is highly vulnerable to coffee leaf rust, coffee berry disease and bacterial blight, which is why Kenyan research later developed resistant successors such as Ruiru 11 and Batian. Despite these drawbacks, SL28 remains a benchmark for high-quality East African coffee. It is now also planted outside Kenya, in Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and parts of Latin America, by producers aiming for that distinctive profile.

In this lot of SL28 from Volcán Azul, meticulous washed processing and careful fermentation reveal striking flavors. Notes of nectarine, white peach, blackberry, currants, and delicate yellow florals. Balanced by bright acidity, honey sweetness, and a creamy body. Requiring attentive care, SL28 stands out in the specialty world for its vibrant, intricate, and distinct character.

Processing and Drying

Hand-picked ripe SL28 cherries were carefully sorted and processed using a refined washed method. The coffee was rested in the fruit for a full day to break down the mucilage and initiate a short fermentation to enhance the mouthfeel. After depulping, the seeds undergo a controlled slow washed fermentation to develop clarity and sweetness, followed by thorough washing to remove the mucilage. The coffee is then slow-dried on raised beds under ventilated conditions to preserve structure, balance, and its signature vibrant variety profile. This results in an exceptionally clean, expressive cup defined by bright acidity, layered fruit notes, floral sweetness, and a silky and creamy body.