Excelsa Coffee Beans Guide: A Deep Dive into Flavor & Origin

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:43 pm

You know, there’s coffee, and then there’s Excelsa. It’s like stumbling upon a secret chapter in the world’s coffee story, right? This rare bean takes the coffee experience to another level, not just a drink but a journey. 

Most folks are cozying up with their Arabica and Robusta, but we are exploring this almost hidden path here. Excelsa is not just about the caffeine kick; it’s the rich tapestry of flavors, a bit of a rebel, really, going against the grain with its unique fruity-to-tart spectrum.

Now, it’s not on every street corner café; its rarity is part of its charm. Grown only in specific far-flung areas, it’s like this exclusive club for true coffee explorers.

But what sets it apart isn’t just its scarcity; it’s the way it challenges your taste buds, breaks the norm, and introduces a whole new perspective on coffee. So, without further ado, let’s crack this rare bean.

Discover various coffee tastes, from Arabica to Robusta and more, with our simple “Guide to Coffee Bean Types.“

Quick Overview About Excelsa

Aspect	Description
Type	Excelsa (part of the Liberica family)
Origin	Originally discovered in Africa, now grown primarily in Southeast Asia
Flavor Profile	Complex, featuring fruity and spicy notes with a tart undertone
Aroma	Rich, often with floral hints
Caffeine Content	Lower than Robusta, more about flavor complexity
Bean Shape	Large, asymmetrical beans
Growth Altitude	Thrives at higher altitudes (similar to Arabica)
Popularity	Rare, more of a niche market due to unique flavor
Best Brew Method	French press, pour-over, cold brew (methods that allow slow extraction)
Availability	Select coffee shops, online specialty stores

What Is Excelsa Coffee Bean?

Well, Excelsa isn’t your run-of-the-mill bean; it’s a whole different species. It is part of the Liberica family, but it stands out with its own unique set of characteristics. 

The beans are a bit quirky in shape, not what you’re used to seeing. They’re larger and more asymmetrical, and they have this rich, full-bodied flavor profile that’s a world away from your standard cup of joe.

Excelsa Vs. Arabica and Robusta

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Arabica and Robusta are the big players, right? They dominate the market, familiar and beloved by many.

But then there’s Excelsa. It stands apart with its distinct flavor, offering a complex profile filled with fruity and spicy notes, a departure from the more traditional tastes of its popular counterparts. 

While it shares the high-altitude growth of Arabica (about 1000 to 1300 meters), what really sets Excelsa apart is its scarcity and the unique, bold flavor it brings to your cup. It doesn’t just blend in; it sets a whole new standard for what coffee can be.

Caffeine Content in Excelsa

Now, here’s the kicker: for all its boldness in flavor, Excelsa isn’t going to have you bouncing off the walls. It’s smoother, see? 

With caffeine content artfully teasing between 0.86 to 1.13g per 100g, it’s not in the race with Robusta, the undisputed caffeine champion, averaging a robust 2.2 to 2.7g. And here’s where it gets interesting – Excelsa isn’t trailing far behind Arabica, which casually lounges around 1.2 to 1.5g.

But Excelsa’s charm? Oh, it’s not in the kick; it’s in the flavors, the unique taste, that makes it the bean for connoisseurs, for those who want to savor every sip, explore every note.

It’s for those who want more from their brew and to experience something different. So, if you want to keep your caffeine intake in check but your coffee adventure limitless, Excelsa is waiting to whisk you away.

Origin of The Excelsa Coffee Beans

Tracing the roots of Excelsa takes us on a journey back in time, right to the heart of Africa in the early 1900s. Picture this: a new coffee species, Excelsa, is discovered, adding a fresh, vibrant chapter to the coffee narrative.

It wasn’t just a moment of discovery but the beginning of a legacy. Originating as what was known as Coffea dewevrei. This unique variety first sprouted into the world’s consciousness in Central Africa, marking a pivotal moment in coffee history.

The Journey from Discovery to Global Palates

Excelsa embarked on a global voyage from its African roots, finding new homes and palates to please. Its cultivation spread, reaching the embracing highlands of Southeast Asia, including regions in Vietnam and the Philippines, and even journeying to the diverse terrains of India. 

This distribution wasn’t just a geographical shift; it was Excelsa planting its flag in new territories, expanding its flavor profile across borders.

A Bumpy Road: Identity and Classification

However, the road wasn’t without its bumps. For years, Excelsa’s identity was debated, with many considering it a distinct species within the Coffea genus.

It was only in 2006 that the coffee world saw a shift in perspective, reclassifying Excelsa as a variety under the Liberica species, known as the dewevrei variety. This reclassification stirred the pot, blending in confusion and curiosity around its true nature and characteristics.

Rare but Revered: Excelsa’s Niche in the Coffee World

Despite these identity debates and the bean’s scarce presence in the market, Excelsa has maintained its allure. The beans may not always feature prominently on the global stage due to their rarity. 

Still, their journey from the depths of Africa to coffee cups worldwide is a testament to their enduring appeal and the rich tapestry of flavor they represent. 

Whether embraced by communities of growers or specialty coffee enthusiasts, Excelsa continues to carve out its niche, a hidden gem in the bustling world of coffee.

Why Is Excelsa Coffee Not Popular?

It’s quite weird, isn’t it? Excelsa has all the makings of a standout coffee, yet it lingers in the shadows, almost like an insider secret. So, what’s keeping Excelsa from taking center stage in the coffee world?

Understanding the Production and Preference Puzzle

The reality is cultivating Excelsa is no small feat. These beans demand specific conditions, and frankly, they’re not the most yielding. 

The farmers dedicated to Excelsa cultivation are few, often driven by a passion for preserving this unique variety rather than pursuing large-scale commercial success. Then there’s the matter of taste. Excelsa offers a flavor that’s not commonly found in our daily brew. 

It’s a mix of tart and fruity notes that might catch some drinkers off guard. It doesn’t always fit the typical profile that coffee drinkers hunt for, contributing to its quiet presence in the background.

Comparing Excelsa With the Coffee Mainstays

In the broader market, Arabica and Robusta are the familiar favorites. They’ve secured their spots with flavors that please the general palate. Arabica is known for its mild and sweet nuances, while Robusta is favored for its strong, potent character. Excelsa, however, doesn’t quite conform to these popular taste blueprints.

The bottom line is that Excelsa isn’t aiming for widespread popularity. It exists for a niche audience — those who prefer to step away from the usual and seek out the extraordinary. 

It’s there for those who appreciate a bit of adventure in their cup, even if it means venturing into a less popular corner of the coffee world.

Appearance Excelsa Coffee Bean And Plant

When sipping on that rich, aromatic cup of coffee, have you ever paused to consider where it comes from? Not just geographically but right down to the very plant that birthed those beans. If we’re talking about Excelsa coffee, you’re in for a bit of a botanical treat.

The Stature of the Plant: More Than Just a Plant

Here’s something that might surprise you: the Excelsa isn’t just a plant; it’s a towering tree. Unlike your typical coffee plants, Excelsa grows — and it grows tall, reaching over 15 meters. 

Found in the warm, humid climates of Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, this tree is a bit of a spectacle in the coffee world. It’s not just its height that stands out, though. 

The Excelsa tree is known for its resilience, fighting off diseases that often plague other coffee varieties and demanding unique care. Its structure is fascinating — a straight, cylindrical trunk, a network of robust branches, and leaves that tell their own story. 

The Excelsa doesn’t just grow; it flourishes, spreading its branches wide, almost as if embracing its space in the coffee world.

The Beans: A Product of Their Environment

Now, beneath these branches, you’ll find the real stars of the show — the Excelsa beans. They’re an odd bunch, larger and more irregular than what you might be used to.

But it’s their home — the towering Excelsa tree — that plays a part in these beans’ unique characteristics. The tree’s impressive height means the beans enjoy a microclimate different from your standard coffee plants, contributing to their distinctive flavor profile.

Influence on Brewing and Flavor: It’s All Connected

Everything about the Excelsa, from its status as a tree to the quirky nature of its beans, factors into the coffee it produces. 

The beans’ size and shape, the way they grow, the environment they’re nurtured in — all of these elements influence the roasting process and, by extension, the flavors you taste in every cup of Excelsa coffee.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drinking Excelsa

When it comes to Excelsa coffee, every sip narrates a different story, especially when you’re discussing it over a warm, inviting cup. As we delve into this unique brew, we must consider both sides of the coin. So, let’s break it down:

Excelsa coffee is like a party in your cup, surprising some and delighting others. It’s not your everyday brew but a journey of taste, daring you to explore new paths and perhaps discover a fresh favorite among the coffee crowd.

The Flavor Profile of Excelsa Coffee

Just when you think you’ve figured out your taste in coffee, along comes Excelsa, shattering all preconceived notions with its bold presence. So, what’s the buzz behind this intriguing brew?

A Taste That Dances on the Palate

First things first, Excelsa doesn’t play by the usual coffee rules. No, this one’s a rule-breaker. The taste? Think of a daring ensemble of both dark and fruity notes with a hint of tartness that zings on your tongue. 

It’s like capturing a tropical storm in your cup — wild, unpredictable, and utterly captivating.

But it’s not just about the taste. The aroma plays a part, too, you see. It draws you in with a scent that promises complexity and richness, often teasing the senses with a floral hint, a dash of spice, or a whisper of fruitiness, depending on the batch.

A Mouthfeel That Lingers

Now, onto the way it feels. Excelsa has a way of making its presence known, offering a full-bodied experience that balances its robust character with a smooth, almost creamy, mouthfeel. It’s there, and it’s making sure you acknowledge its complexity.

Not Just Another Bean in the Crowd

Here’s the deal — in a world where Arabica and Robusta take the mainstream stage, Excelsa is not here to mimic; it’s here to stand out.

Compared to the mild, often soft whispers of Arabica and the strong, straightforward punch of Robusta, Excelsa weaves rich flavors that dare to challenge what you expect from your coffee.

How Do You Brew the Perfect Cup of Excelsa?

Alright, so you’ve got your hands on these precious Excelsa beans. Now, the question that stands between you and a cup of extraordinary delight is, “How do I brew this thing right?” Don’t you worry; we’re in this together. Let’s get you sorted!

The Art of Extraction: Maximizing Flavor

Brewing Excelsa is like tuning an instrument — you’ve got to hit the right notes. This bean, with its symphony of flavors, deserves patience and precision. 

So, here’s the deal: you’ll want to go for a medium-coarse grind that looks like rough sand. It’s the sweet spot that allows for optimal extraction without overdoing it.

Now, the brewing method plays a starring role. Given Excelsa’s unique profile, methods that allow for a more controlled and slower extraction process shine the brightest. 

Think along the lines of a French press, pour-over, or even a cold brew setup if you’re feeling experimental. These methods bring out Excelsa’s rich flavors, letting them shine.

Nailing the Ratios

Okay, let’s talk numbers, but keep it simple. A good starting point is the classic 1:15 ratio — one part coffee to fifteen parts water. 

It’s a tried-and-true formula that promises balance. However, Excelsa’s bold personality might have you tweaking these numbers. Feel like embarking on a flavor expedition? Try upping your coffee dose slightly, and let your taste buds be the judge.

Water Temperature and Brew Time

Temperature matters, friends. Too hot, and you risk a bitter rebellion; too cold, and you don’t wake up the flavors. You want water around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 degrees Celsius) — hot enough to coax out those intricate notes without scalding them.

As for brew time, it’s a balancing act. For methods like the French press, you’re looking at around four minutes. 

Pour-over? Adjust to taste, but generally, it’s in the ballpark of three to four minutes. And cold brew, well, that’s a slow dance, needing anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

So, there you have it! Brewing the perfect cup of Excelsa is part science, part art, and all about exploration. Remember, the best cup of coffee is the one that tastes right to you. Happy brewing!

Last Thoughts

As our Excelsa journey draws to a close, it’s clear that this isn’t just any ordinary coffee. Excelsa captivates with its audacious flavor profile, rarity, and the sheer adventure it brings to each cup. It’s a hidden gem in the vast landscape of coffee varieties, offering a path less traveled for those daring to explore.

But the exploration shouldn’t stop here. If Excelsa has piqued your interest, you’re just on the brink of a vast, aromatic universe. Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide on “Liberica Coffee Beans,” another rare and exquisite member of the coffee family. 

Now, as we part ways in this post, the conversation doesn’t have to end. Have you had the chance to experience the enigma that is Excelsa? We’re eager to hear about your encounters! 

Leave a comment below and share your story, or shoot those questions our way. Here’s to many more enriching coffee explorations together! Cheers!