Excelsa Coffee Grade 2 | Vietnam Origin

Discover the unique and intriguing flavors of Excelsa coffee with this Grade 2 offering from the lush growing regions of Vietnam. Part of the Liberica family, Excelsa is a rare and highly distinctive coffee variety prized by connoisseurs.

Tasting Notes

This Grade 2 Excelsa presents a complex cup with pronounced notes of ripe dark fruits like plums and blackberries. There are hints of smoky, woody flavors that mingle with a mild tartness reminiscent of berries. As it cools, look for undertones of dark chocolate and a creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel. The lower acidity makes this a smooth, easy-drinking coffee.While more rustic than a refined Arabica, Excelsa’s unique flavor profile is what sets it apart. Expect a wild, untamed character that is both intriguing and satisfying.

Cultivation

Excelsa coffee trees are tall, reaching up to 15 meters, with large leaves that can measure over 25cm long. The cherries take around a year to fully mature, longer than Arabica or Robusta. In Vietnam, Excelsa is cultivated in the Central Highlands regions like Lam Dong and Dak Lak.These hardy, resilient trees are more resistant to pests and diseases like coffee leaf rust compared to other varieties. Their lower optimal growing elevation of 1000-1300 meters may also make Excelsa a potential solution for farmers impacted by climate change.

Roasting

With lower solubility than Arabica beans, Excelsa requires specific roast profiles to achieve optimal flavor. A medium roast can unlock fruity, winey notes along with hints of wood and roasted corn. Darker roasts turn richer with chocolate and creamy nuances coming through.

Specialty Coffee Potential

While not as widespread as Arabica or Robusta, Excelsa’s distinctiveness generates interest in the specialty coffee world. Its scarcity and unique flavors position it as an attractive offering for those seeking something new and exclusive.Bring a taste of Vietnam’s diverse coffee heritage to your cup with Excelsa Coffee Grade 2. Explore the rugged, unrestrained flavors of this rare variety.

Summary of key characteristics of Excelsa coffee:

1. Origin: First discovered in Central Africa in 1903, previously considered a distinct species but reclassified in 2006 as a variety of the Liberica species.
2. Plant characteristics: Tall trees up to 15m, large leaves, flowers bloom multiple times during the season, fruit takes around a year to mature, asymmetrical beans averaging 9x6mm in size.
3. Flavor profile: Complex, pronounced fruity notes like cherry and blackberry, mild tartness, smoky, woody, moderate bitterness, full-bodied.
4. Benefits: Lower caffeine content than Arabica and Robusta, resistant to some diseases and pests.
5. Challenges: Limited cultivation, lack of awareness, no commodity market or standardized pricing, difficult to manage due to tall trees.
6. Potential: Suitable for specialty coffee, may withstand climate change, genetic resource for research.