Notes from our Green Buyer

Lucia Ortiz grows an array of different varietals at Finca Las Mercedes, and we have another for you! The SL-28 varietal originated in Kenya, dating all the way back to the 1930s. It has since made its way through Latin America and into the hands of the Lucia Ortiz. The El Rio section is nestled into the mountain with an active spring, and it sits alongside Pepinal (which you may remember from previous offerings!), with each lot located on either slope of the same ridge line. This is one of the high points of the farm at 1500 meters, and higher altitudes bring more complexity to your cup.

Notes from our Roaster

This is a step up from your classic, washed-processed Central American coffee. The SL-28 varietal has the potential to contribute a juicy, fruit-forward flavor in the cup. When “washed” (a processing method which removes the cherry and the mucilage surrounding the seed) by one of El Salvador’s most celebrated producers, that fruit note is drawn out, developed, and brought into balance with the what its terroir is known for: a sugar-y sweetness, like maple, and nuttiness, like pistachio. This is one of the year’s more complex, washed-processed coffees coming from Lucia at Las Mercedes and we can’t wait for you to brew it!