Question 1

I’ve been curious about SL28 and SL34—how do they usually taste different in the cup? Are they mainly associated with Kenyan coffee?

Accepted Answer

SL28 and SL34 are both strongly associated with Kenya, especially in washed Kenyan coffees, though they can also be grown in other producing countries.

In the cup, the distinction is often described like this:

- **SL28**: frequently more vivid and aromatic, with pronounced blackcurrant, berry, citrus, tomato-like savory acidity, and a juicy, winey character. It can feel especially expressive when grown at high elevation.
- **SL34**: often has a little more weight and sweetness, with deeper fruit, brown-sugar or caramel-like tones, and a rounder body. It can still be very bright, but may come across as less sharply floral or citrus-led than SL28.

That said, processing, roast level, altitude, and the particular lot can easily matter as much as the variety. A coffee containing both varieties is also very common in Kenya, so you may taste a mix of those vivid fruit and syrupy-sweet qualities rather than a clean “SL28 versus SL34” separation.

If you like bright, juicy berry acidity, SL28-forward Kenyan lots are a great direction. If you prefer that Kenyan fruit character with a slightly fuller, sweeter feel, SL34 or mixed SL28/SL34 lots may suit you. For a Kenyan option in this collection, **常盤珈琲焙煎所 赤羽店’s Kenya Specialty** is a lightly roasted, washed coffee—but its specific varieties are not listed, so I wouldn’t assume it is SL28 or SL34 without confirming with the roaster.

Question 2

I usually enjoy light roasts, but I’m still not sure how to describe what I like. How would an Ethiopian natural taste different from a washed Kenyan?

Accepted Answer

A washed Kenyan often tastes cleaner and more structured: think bright acidity, crisp fruit, and a tea-like finish. The Kenya Specialty from 常盤珈琲焙煎所 赤羽店 is a light roast and washed, so it may be a useful reference if you enjoy clarity and lively acidity.

An Ethiopian natural, by contrast, is often more fruit-forward and aromatic, with a rounder, sometimes jammy or wine-like impression. Where a washed Kenyan can feel precise and sparkling, a natural Ethiopian can feel sweeter, fuller, and more expressive.

If you like light roasts for their clean, vivid character, try a washed Kenyan. If you find yourself wanting more fragrant fruit and sweetness, a natural Ethiopian may be worth exploring.

Question 3

How does anaerobic processing change the flavor compared with a regular natural? I’m curious whether it would suit someone who likes bright, fruity coffees.

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic processing often makes a coffee taste more intense and fermented than a regular natural.

- **Regular natural:** typically fruit-forward, sweet, and jammy, with flavors that can feel like berries or dried fruit. The fruit character is often clear but relatively familiar.
- **Anaerobic natural:** fermented in a low-oxygen environment before or during drying, which can amplify sweetness and create more unusual notes—think boozy fruit, tropical candy, yogurt-like acidity, wine, or spice. The texture can also feel heavier and more syrupy.

If you like **bright, fruity coffees**, anaerobic lots can be a great fit—especially when they retain a clean, juicy acidity. However, some can be more funky or fermenty than you may want. If you prefer crisp citrus, floral notes, and a clean finish, a washed coffee may be more reliable; for example, the washed, light-roasted Kenyan coffee carried by 常盤珈琲焙煎所 赤羽店 could be worth considering.

If you enjoy the sweeter, dried-fruit side of coffee, the Guatemala from Stockfleths—with plum, caramel, and dried-fruit notes—may also be a gentler step toward more fruit-driven profiles.

Question 4

What are SL28 and SL34 varieties? Are they good choices for a beginner who doesn’t really like sour coffee?

Accepted Answer

SL28 and SL34 are coffee plant varieties, most closely associated with Kenya. They’re often valued for vivid, juicy flavors—think blackcurrant, berry, citrus, or wine-like fruit.

For a beginner who doesn’t enjoy sour coffee, they can be a little risky **if roasted lightly**, because their bright fruitiness may come across as sharp or tangy, like an under-ripe berry.

They can still work for you if you choose:
1. **A medium or darker roast** — this usually brings out more sweetness and reduces the sharpness.
2. **Flavor descriptions such as caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, or dried fruit** rather than lemon, grapefruit, or tart berries.
3. **A milk-based drink**, if you drink coffee with milk; it can soften the brighter flavors.

In short: SL28 and SL34 are high-quality varieties, but if you strongly dislike acidity, start with a sweeter, medium-roasted coffee rather than a light-roasted Kenyan-style cup.

Question 5

What does “anaerobic process” mean in coffee? I’m not a big fan of sour coffee, so would it be a good choice for a beginner like me?

Accepted Answer

“Anaerobic process” means the coffee cherries are fermented in a sealed container with very little or no oxygen before the beans are dried.

This can create bold, unusual flavors—often like tropical fruit, berries, wine, or candy. Think of it like fruit that has become extra ripe and jammy.

If you don’t enjoy sour coffee, it may not be the safest first choice. Anaerobic coffees can be sweet and smooth, but they can also have a noticeable tangy, fermented fruit flavor. The result varies a lot by roast and producer.

For a beginner, I’d suggest choosing a **medium-roast, washed coffee** first. These are often easier to understand and tend to taste cleaner, with familiar notes such as chocolate, caramel, or nuts. If you do try an anaerobic coffee, look for one described as **sweet, chocolatey, or low-acid**, rather than citrusy or wine-like.

Budwale, Orange Co-Fermentation, Uganda

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