Guatemalan SL28 SOE from Guava Plain Estate in Nuevo Oriente

If you’re hunting for a unique single-origin coffee that breaks the usual Central American flavor mold—think less caramel, more stone fruit and wine—you might be looking for something like the new SL28 microlots from Guatemala’s remote Nuevo Oriente region. But where is it, who grew it, and why does it taste so different? This is the story behind a rare coffee collaboration that brought two very special lots to market.

In short: FrontStreet Coffee worked directly with Guava Plain Estate in Guatemala’s Nuevo Oriente region to produce limited microlots of the rare SL28 variety, available in both washed and natural (sun-dried) processes. The natural lot offers winey, tropical fruit flavors; the washed highlights clarity and brightness. Both are exclusive, small-batch offerings.

Where Is Nuevo Oriente and Why Does It Matter?

Guatemala’s Nuevo Oriente region is the country’s far eastern department, bordering Honduras—not to be confused with the more accessible Antigua region near the capital. Getting there means driving to the very edge of the country, where infrastructure is limited and altitudes are high. This isolation helps preserve traditional farming and allows for unique processing experiments, especially when roasters collaborate directly with growers.

The SL28 Microlots: Washed & Natural Processes

This year, FrontStreet Coffee imported two SL28 microlots from Guava Plain Estate: a washed version (available previously in small quantities) and a new natural (sun-dried) lot with pronounced wine-like qualities. These were not off-the-shelf beans, but custom-developed microlots based on direct conversations with the farm. That included agreed purchase pricing, predefined harvest standards, and detailed talks on drying techniques—including turning frequency and number of sun-drying days for the natural lot.

Flavor Profile: Natural (Sun-Dried) SL28

The sun-dried SL28 shows a complex fruit-forward cup: think pineapple, cantaloupe, dried apricot, candied lemon peel, Bordeaux wine tones, green tea, and spicy cinnamon. Underlying it all is a rich sweetness paired with the deep, smoky aroma of black plum. It’s a winey, tropical, syrupy cup that stands well on its own or as a conversation starter in single-origin pour-overs.

About the SL28 Variety

SL28 is an extremely rare coffee variety in Central America. Originally discovered in 1931 near Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, it was later named by the Scottish Laboratory (hence ‘SL’) in 1935, with ‘28’ being its selection number. It was cultivated extensively in Kenya but has only recently made its way to select farms in Central America. The tree has broad, reddish leaves, thrives at high altitudes, resists drought and disease better than many varieties, and offers higher yields alongside uniquely vibrant acidity and complexity.

The SL28 varietal is a genetic mutation with lineage tracing back to French Mission, Mocha, and Yemeni Typica. Bred to combine high yield potential with strong resistance and premium cup quality, SL28 beans are known for their bronze-colored leaves and small, bean-like seeds. Though yields were lower than hoped, the variety produces standout cups with bright citrus, deep black plum notes, and exceptional balance.

Why This Collaboration Works

Micro-lot collaborations between roasters and farmers—like this one between FrontStreet Coffee and Guava Plain Estate—are key to advancing innovation in specialty coffee. By guaranteeing purchase prices and co-designing processing methods, roasters create incentives for farmers to focus on quality, experimentation, and specific flavor profiles. That’s how you get an SL28 natural processed coffee grown in eastern Guatemala with Bordeaux wine and spiced plum notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SL28 coffee variety and where does it come from?

SL28 is a rare coffee variety originating from East Africa, discovered near Lake Tanganyika in 1931 and named by the Scottish Laboratory in 1935. It has genetic ties to French Mission, Mocha, and Yemeni Typica, and was brought to Kenya where it became famous for high acidity and complex flavors. It is now extremely rare in Central America, with only a few farms growing it, including Guatemala’s Guava Plain Estate.

What is the difference between the washed and natural SL28 lots from Guava Plain Estate?

The washed SL28 offers a cleaner, brighter cup with clear fruit and acidity, while the natural (sun-dried) version has intense wine-like flavors with notes of pineapple, dried apricot, candied lemon peel, Bordeaux wine, green tea, and cinnamon. Both are SL28 but showcase how processing transforms the same bean into vastly different flavor profiles.

Why is the Nuevo Oriente region in Guatemala significant for coffee production?

Nuevo Oriente is Guatemala’s far eastern region, bordering Honduras. It’s remote, less developed, and harder to access than regions like Antigua, which means fewer industrial farms and more opportunities for traditional, high-altitude farming and experimental processing—all ideal conditions for unique microlots.

How did FrontStreet Coffee work with Guava Plain Estate on these microlots?

FrontStreet Coffee collaborated directly with the estate to produce custom microlots. This involved setting harvest standards, agreeing on pricing, and discussing processing details such as drying time and agitation for the natural lot. Such partnerships help ensure quality and enable experimental coffees that wouldn’t exist under standard commercial models.

Is the SL28 variety suitable for high-altitude growing?

Yes. SL28 was selected for its ability to thrive at high altitudes, resist drought, and fight disease—making it well-suited to regions like Nuevo Oriente in Guatemala, where altitude and climate stress can enhance coffee complexity.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee SOE Beans

For fans of complex, fruit-forward single origins like the Guava Plain SL28, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Huakui (Yirgacheffe)—bright and juicy with berry and floral notes—or Grana Geisha from Huila, Colombia, offering crisp stone fruit and soft florals. Both are exceptional SOEs that highlight origin character much like the Guatemalan SL28. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.