El Salvador Malacara SL-28

We accompanied Epe Alvarez when he first planted this coveted Kenyan variety in the volcanic soils of Finca Malacara. More than a decade later, this washed SL-28 remains a staple of our single origin menu.

The El Salvador Malacara SL-28, sourced from producer Epe Alvarez, represents a compelling intersection of geography and genetics. While the SL-28 varietal is most famously associated with the high-altitude regions of Kenya, its cultivation in El Salvador offers a unique opportunity to observe how terroir influences this celebrated plant. As a washed coffee, this lot undergoes a meticulous processing method that typically emphasizes the inherent clarity and structural acidity of the bean, allowing the specific characteristics of the SL-28 cultivar to shine through without the influence of fruit-forward fermentation.

When evaluating a coffee of this pedigree, enthusiasts often look for the bright, complex profiles that define the varietal. To better understand the nuances you might encounter in your cup, we recommend consulting our flavor wheel as you explore the profile. This selection, roasted by Intelligentsia Coffee, serves as a fascinating case study in how traditional varietals adapt to new environments.