Jungle Berry

SL-28 is a coffee variety that was discovered in the 1930’s and selected by Scott Laboratories (SL) for its ability to thrive in drought conditions - important for cultivation in Kenya. Since then, its popularity skyrocketed in Kenya, not only for its yield and drought resistance but because it has such a cool cup profile. It’s known for juicy, blackberry, currant-like acidity - all hallmarks of great Kenyan coffee. Fast forward about 85 years and Evin Moreno is given some SL-28 seeds (from Kenya) and plants them in one of his farms. Wait a few years for the first harvest and it’s been magic in a cup ever since. OK, enough about SL, now back to Evin.

I have had a coffee crush on Evin Moreno for many years. I have been buying from his dad Pedro and his younger brother Pedrito since 2014 and their coffee is amazing. But they all take their cues from Evin - he’s the coffee quality ring leader. He was the first to experiment with new varieties. He was the first to develop the double fermented washed method. He was the first to rebuild his drying to introduce more airflow and shade. The list goes on. Evin is still a small producer and he has established relationships with international roasters so I wanted to respect that, but last year, Evin’s production increased and there was an opportunity for us to start working with him.

This coffee is a small lot of SL-28 from his farm, El Mango, in the upper parts of El Cedral. This region of Honduras is truly stunning and feels like time stands still. The undulating hills, dramatic cliffs, green pastures and rolling mist gives the area this mystical feeling that something very special is growing in the mountain.

I’m so happy to finally be working with Evin and very proud to be a representative and ambassador for his coffee and his dedication to quality!