Uganda Midnight Flyer SL14 & SL28 – Washed

Blackcurrant, candied citrus, and brown sugar define a juicy and sweet cup with a lightly syrupy texture. More delicate notes of lemon and marshmallow emerge underneath, creating an unusual combination of intense fruit and comforting sweetness.

Midnight Flyer reveals a particularly interesting side of Ugandan coffee: clean and defined through washed processing, yet with enough body and concentration to perform equally well as filter coffee or espresso.

Flavor Profile

• Main notes: blackcurrant, candied citrus, and brown sugar
• Additional nuances: lemon and marshmallow
• Acidity: medium to high, juicy, and citrus-driven
• Body: medium, smooth, and lightly syrupy
• Aftertaste: sweet, clean, and persistent
• Overall profile: juicy, sweet, fruit-driven, and balanced

Blackcurrant provides depth and clearly defined dark fruit. Candied citrus brings freshness together with sweetness, while brown sugar rounds out the cup.

As the coffee cools, more delicate lemon and marshmallow notes emerge and the mouthfeel becomes slightly more syrupy.

Origin and Processing

This coffee comes from the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda and is connected to the work of Agri Evolve, who collaborate with approximately 2,000 smallholder farmers in the Kasese District.

The cherries are processed at Nyabirongo Processing Station in Kisinga. What began as a single collection point has developed into an important coffee-processing facility for the region.

The SL14 and SL28 varieties have a long history in East Africa and can develop particularly expressive fruit, acidity, and sweetness when cultivated at elevation.

The coffee trees for this lot grow at approximately 1,700 m.a.s.l.

Unlike the natural process traditionally associated with much Ugandan coffee, Midnight Flyer is washed. Ripe cherries are transported to the processing station, depulped, and the fruit is removed before drying.

This approach produces a cleaner and more precise expression, allowing blackcurrant and citrus to stand out clearly while retaining the sweetness and texture of the lot.

The Story Behind the Name

Midnight Flyer was born from an unusual situation.

During one of Agri Evolve's early attempts at producing washed coffee, transportation of the freshly picked cherries was severely delayed. With the risk of excessive fermentation increasing by the hour, drivers set off during the night and transported the cherries over rain-soaked roads to reach the processing station in time.

The coffee arrived successfully and went on to become a recurring lot. That night gave it the name Midnight Flyer.

Why You’ll Love It

• Juicy dark fruit: blackcurrant provides depth and personality
• Sweet citrus: freshness combined with candied sweetness
• Pleasant texture: medium body with a lightly syrupy mouthfeel
• Washed processing: clarity and definition without sacrificing sweetness
• Highly versatile: works for both filter brewing and espresso

Ideal for

• V60: highlights blackcurrant and citrus
• Origami: creates a lively, aromatic, and juicy cup
• Batch brew: produces a balanced and approachable drink
• AeroPress: enhances sweetness and texture
• Espresso: develops intense dark fruit and brown-sugar sweetness
• Milk espresso: sweetness retains enough presence through milk
• Moka pot: creates an intense, fruit-driven, and rounded cup

Technical Details

• Origin: Uganda
• Region: Rwenzori Mountains
• Processing area: Nyabirongo, Kisinga
• Producer / project: Agri Evolve
• Production structure: smallholders from the Kasese District
• Species: Arabica
• Varieties: SL14 and SL28
• Processing: Washed
• Altitude: approx. 1,700 m.a.s.l.
• Score: 86.5
• Tasting notes: blackcurrant, candied citrus, and brown sugar
• Additional nuances: lemon and marshmallow
• Profile: juicy, sweet, lightly syrupy, and balanced

Summary

A washed Ugandan SL14 and SL28 with blackcurrant, candied citrus, and brown sugar, complemented by delicate lemon and marshmallow notes. A juicy, sweet, and clean cup combining East African fruit expression with excellent brewing versatility.