UGANDA KYAGALANYI COFFEE NATURAL

Rising along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains (also know as the Mountains of the Moon) form one of Uganda’s most dramatic coffee landscapes. Within this range lies Kasese, a district whose high-altitude communities cultivate exceptional Arabica in fertile volcanic soils and cool, misty microclimates.

Coffee has become one of the most economically significant crops in Kasese, grown across nearly all sub-counties and providing vital income for rural farmers. The area’s high elevation - over 1,200 meters above sea level - cooler temperatures, and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for slow-maturing Arabica with pronounced sweetness and complexity.

This lot was produced by smallholder farms and processed by the producer group Kyagalanyi Coffee.

After selective picking, fresh cherries are delivered to Kyagalanyi’s washing station where they undergo traditional natural processing. Whole cherries are sun-dried for an extended amount of time on raised beds to preserve fruit flavors. Regular turning encourages even drying, boosts airflow, and prevents over-fermentation.

The “SL” in SL14 and SL28 refers to Scott Laboratories, a Kenyan agricultural research center known for identifying and developing high-performing coffee varieties. SL28 was selected for its exceptional cup quality and drought resilience. SL14 was identified for its adaptability and consistently high-quality cup potential across East Africa’s varied environments.

This is an elegant coffee with a rich berry sweetness. The finish has tannins reminiscent of black tea, helping to create a rounded finish to the sip.