Uganda – SCR 18

Origin: Lake Victoria Basin & Western Nile Regions

Profile: Powerful, Nutty, and Deeply Toasted

Uganda SCR 18 represents the “Top of the Line” for Ugandan Robusta. While Uganda is the birthplace of Robusta coffee, the Screen 18 grade is specifically sorted to ensure the largest, most developed beans are selected. These beans are typically Natural Processed (sun-dried), which allows them to develop an incredibly dense body and a rugged, classic flavor profile that has made Uganda a global powerhouse for espresso components.

Because these beans grow at slightly higher altitudes than most global Robusta (up to 1,200 meters), they possess a physical hardness and flavor clarity that sets them apart from lower-grade commercial options.

Flavour Experience

Body: Massive and syrupy; creates an exceptionally thick, long-lasting crema.
Notes: Intense dark chocolate, roasted peanuts, and malt, with a rustic, woody sweetness.
Acidity: Virtually non-existent; provides a flat, bold base that anchors high-acid blends.
Finish: Heavy and lingering with a savory, smoky cocoa aftertaste.

Best Enjoyed As

Uganda SCR 18 is the “heavy lifter” in the roasting world, prized for its functional strength:

The High-Crema Espresso: This is the secret to that “thick as motor oil” Italian-style espresso shot.
The “Morning Kick” Blend: Used as a 20-40% component to provide a significant caffeine boost and a bold, traditional flavor that cuts through large amounts of milk and sugar.
Dark Roasts: These large beans handle high heat beautifully, caramelizing into a pungent, bittersweet profile without becoming “thin” or “ashy.”

The “Screen 18” Advantage

In the world of Robusta, size matters for uniformity.

Consistency: Screen 18 beans provide a more predictable roast curve, ensuring you don’t have “quakers” (under-ripe beans) or small beans that burn before the large ones are cooked.
Visual Appeal: For roasters selling whole beans, the Screen 18 grade looks impressive in the bag—large, bold, and healthy.

Quick Comparison: Uganda vs. India Robusta

Feature	Uganda SCR 18 (Natural)	India Cherry AA (Natural)
Character	Rugged & Earthy	Clean & Nutty
Body	Very Heavy	Heavy & Syrupy
Best For	“Strong” traditional blends	Premium “Specialty” espresso