Ultimate Guide To Types Of Coffee Beans: From Arabica To Excelsa

Last updated on January 8th, 2025 at 03:15 pm

Are you wondering about all the variety of coffee beans out there? With the global coffee market valued at a staggering $102.15 billion in 2019. I guess it’s clear that we’re all pretty passionate about our brew.

But how do you know which bean is right for you? From smooth Arabica to bold Robusta, choosing the right coffee can make or break your morning cup.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the different coffee beans and how to pick the perfect one based on flavor, caffeine content, and even the best brewing methods.

Whether you’re after something exotic like Liberica or curious about Excelsa’s mysterious flavor, this guide has got your back. So let’s start!

Comparing Coffee Beans: Arabica vs. Robusta vs. Liberica vs. Excelsa

I felt initially like I had no idea what to expect from each variety. Over time, and through a lot of trial and error (and a few too-bitter cups of espresso), I started to understand the distinct personalities of these beans. So let me break down:

Bean Type	Caffeine Content	Flavor Profile	Growing Regions	Best Uses	Price
Arabica	Lowest (around 1.5%)	Sweet, fruity, with floral hints. High acidity.	Latin America, East Africa	Pour-over, drip coffee, cold brew	More expensive due to delicate growing conditions
Robusta	Highest (2.2% to 2.7%)	Bold, earthy, bitter, with chocolate or nutty notes	Southeast Asia, Africa	Espresso, instant coffee, dark roasts	More affordable, higher yield
Liberica	Moderate (around 1.23%)	Smoky, woody, slightly floral and nutty	West Africa, Philippines, Malaysia	French press, cold brew	High cost, limited production
Excelsa	Low (0.86% to 1.13%)	Tart, fruity, with a darker roasted finish	Southeast Asia, India	Blends for complexity, cold brew	Rare, often misclassified

1 – Arabica Coffee Beans (About 60% of The Global Coffee Consumption)

Grown primarily in high altitudes, these beans thrive in Latin America’s cool and mountainous regions.

I’ve always found it interesting how the altitude and climate influence the taste of the beans. The best Arabica beans come from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil, where the conditions are just right.

The higher the altitude, the more complex the flavor, and it’s something you can truly taste in every cup.

Flavor Profile of Arabica Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever tried Arabica, you probably know why it’s the most popular coffee bean in the world. Its flavor is naturally sweet and soft, with hints of fruit, sugar, and berries.

The first time I tried an Arabica pour-over, I was shocked by how smooth it was—none of the bitterness I was used to. You can pick up on subtle fruity notes, almost like a light berry taste.

Best Brewing Methods for Arabica

Now, when it comes to brewing Arabica beans, I’ve had the best luck with pour-over, drip coffee, and cold brew. Here’s a table with more details:

Brewing Method	Why It Works for Arabica
Pour Over	Cleanest, purest flavor capturing all the complexity, especially fruity and floral notes.
Drip Coffee	Great for convenience while still delivering a decent cup.
Cold Brew	Brings out smooth, almost syrupy

Pros	Cons
Lower caffeine content: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, Arabica is your bean. It’s got a softer kick, which makes it easier on the nerves.	More expensive: Because Arabica is grown in such delicate conditions, it often comes with a higher price tag. The flavor is worth it, but it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
Superior flavor and aroma: The flavor is hard to beat. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just love a good cup, Arabica delivers a rich, aromatic experience.	Susceptible to disease and climate changes: Arabica plants are quite fragile, which makes them harder to cultivate. I’ve heard stories from farmers about how a slight climate shift can ruin a crop.

Note: Arabica may be a little more high-maintenance than other beans. But if you’re after quality and flavor, it’s absolutely worth it. Just be prepared to pay a little extra for that perfect cup.

Some well-known brands that offer high-quality Arabica beans include Lavazza, Peet’s Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Blue Bottle Coffee.

2 – Robusta Coffee Beans (The Bold and Strong Bean)

Robusta beans are primarily grown in Africa and Southeast Asia, with Vietnam being a significant player in its production.

Vietnamese coffee culture heavily embraces Robusta. They often incorporate it into their iconic drip coffee, sweetened with condensed milk.

Flavor Profile

Robusta beans are famous for their bitter and earthy flavor with notes of nuttiness and chocolate. The bitterness is more pronounced than Arabica because of the higher caffeine content and lower sugar levels.

Some people love that robust, almost gritty experience; others might find it a bit too harsh. Also many Italian espresso blends use 10-20% Robusta for a creamier texture.

Best Brewing Methods

Brewing Method	Why It Works for Robusta
Espresso	The high caffeine and bitterness create a punchy shot with a strong crema.
Instant Coffee	Robusta is often used in instant coffee due to its affordability and bold taste.
Dark Roasts	The bean’s strong flavor can withstand intense roasting without losing its distinct character.

Pros	Cons
Higher caffeine content: Robusta contains more caffeine than Arabica, giving you that extra jolt when you need it most.	More bitter: The higher caffeine content contributes to a more bitter taste that some find overpowering.
More affordable: Robusta beans are cheaper and easier to grow because of their hardiness and higher yield.	Can be harsh: If not roasted or brewed properly, Robusta can taste overly bitter and unbalanced, making it tricky for beginners.

Note: Robusta may not have the prestige of Arabica. But it plays a crucial role in coffee blends, especially in espresso and instant coffee. Also it’s more affordable and packs more caffeine.

Some popular brands I enjoy are Vinacafe and Nescafé, solid choices for Robusta-based instant coffee. For something more artisan, try Death Wish Coffee—it blends Robusta for an extra caffeine boost.

3 – Liberica Coffee Beans (Rare and Exotic Choice)

Liberica coffee beans are truly unique, standing out from both Arabica and Robusta in ways you wouldn’t expect. Native to West Africa, this bean also thrives in the Philippines and Malaysia.

Flavor Profile

Liberica beans are famous for their bold, full-bodied taste with smoky, woody, and floral notes. Some even describe the aroma as similar to jackfruit. It’s a bit of a wild card, and not everyone loves it.

Best Brewing Methods for Liberica

I’ve found that the French press is ideal—it preserves all those deep and smoky tones. On the other hand, cold brew really highlights Liberica’s fruity and floral side. You get a smooth yet complex cup.

Brewing Method	Why It Works for Liberica
French Press	Captures the bold, smoky, and full-bodied flavors.
Cold Brew	Brings out floral, fruity, and smooth notes.

Pros	Cons
Unique flavor profile: Smoky, woody, and floral, offering a taste that stands out from Arabica and Robusta.	Hard to find: Liberica accounts for less than 1.5% of global coffee production, making it a rare find.
Grows in challenging environments: Known to survive where other beans struggle, particularly in harsher climates.	Polarizing flavor: Some love the bold taste, while others find it too intense or strange.

Note: Liberica might not be for everyone. But it’s a hidden gem worth exploring for those who enjoy complex and full-bodied coffees.

4 – Excelsa Coffee Beans (The Mysterious and Complex Bean)

I first came across Excelsa during my coffee exploration phase, where I was eager to try every bean under the sun. Honestly, I didn’t know much about it at first.

The name sounded exotic, but it wasn’t until I learned more about its origins in Southeast Asia that I realized just how rare and complex this bean really is.

Flavor Profile

It’s tart and fruity, but at the same time, there’s this rich, dark roast flavor that lingers. I find it great for anyone who likes a more layered coffee experience.

Personally, I found that Excelsa beans work best when blended with other varieties. It adds a depth that’s hard to match—perfect for cold brew or even mixed into an espresso blend for a little extra punch.

Best Brewing Methods for Excelsa Coffee Beans

Brewing Method	Why It Works
Blending	Excelsa’s complexity shines when combined with other beans, adding a new layer to your cup.
Cold Brew	Cold brewing really brings out its tart, fruity notes, creating a refreshing yet robust drink.

Pros	Cons
Adds complexity and depth when blended with other coffee varieties.	Rare and difficult to find as a standalone bean.
Unique, lighter flavor despite a dark roast profile.	Often overshadowed by the more popular Arabica and Robusta beans.

Note: If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some Excelsa, I highly recommend experimenting with blends. It might not be the star of the show, but it sure can add that extra something to your coffee!

Last Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Coffee Bean for You?

You want to find what works for your flavor preferences, caffeine needs, and brewing method.

If you prefer a smooth, sweet taste with fruity or floral notes, Arabica is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re after a bold, bitter cup that packs a caffeine punch, Robusta may be the way to go.

Your brewing method matters, too—Arabica beans shine in pour-over or cold brew, while Robusta holds its own in espresso or instant coffee.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with blending beans, either! You can combine multiple varieties to create a rich and balanced cup.

Anyway that’s all for now! Do you have any questions or tips you’d like to share? Leave them all below; I’d love to hear them. And with that voilà!