If you’ve been wandering through the world of specialty coffee lately, you might have heard a curious name popping up more and more: Excelsa. It sounds mysterious, a little bit exotic, and frankly, unlike the more familiar Arabica or Robusta. For decades, this bean was often relegated to a footnote, a minor component in rustic blends. But recently, a quiet revolution has been brewing. Coffee enthusiasts and innovative roasters are starting to give Excelsa a second look, asking if this long-overlooked variety might just hold the key to the next wave of unique coffee experiences.
This isn’t about simply finding a new coffee to drink; it’s about the entire ethos of specialty coffee—the pursuit of distinct flavor profiles, the celebration of diversity, and the story behind the bean. Excelsa, with its complex and unconventional taste, challenges our very definition of what coffee can be. It offers a taste that is entirely its own, a departure from the chocolatey and fruity notes we’ve come to expect. So, is the growing buzz justified? Could Excelsa truly be the next big thing to capture the hearts of coffee aficionados?
What Exactly Are Excelsa Coffee Beans?
Let’s clear up some confusion first. For a long time, Excelsa was classified as its own unique species of coffee, separate from the four main types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and itself. However, recent botanical studies have reclassified it. Scientists now consider Excelsa to be a variety of Coffea liberica, meaning it’s technically a subtype of Liberica coffee. Despite this taxonomic shift, its flavor profile is so distinct that it continues to be discussed and traded on its own merits within the coffee community.
Excelsa grows primarily in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and India. The beans are distinctive for their elongated, almond-like shape, different from the rounder Arabica bean. The trees are resilient, thriving at higher altitudes and showing a strong resistance to diseases and pests that often plague other coffee species. This hardiness makes it an interesting candidate for farmers facing the challenges of climate change, though it has historically been harder to harvest due to the tall trees it grows on.
The Unforgettable Flavor Profile of Excelsa
If you’re expecting a typical cup of coffee, Excelsa will surprise you. This is its greatest strength and the core reason for its rising fame. Describing its taste is an adventure in itself. Imagine a cup that starts with a wave of tart, fruity notes—think dark berries or tamarind—that then unexpectedly evolves into a deep, roasty, almost savory character. It has a complexity that is often described as both light and dark roast simultaneously.
You might detect hints of woody, earthy tones or a smoky, spicy finish that lingers on the palate. Its body is typically lighter than a Robusta but possesses a unique texture. This wild and unpredictable flavor journey is a far cry from a balanced, easy-drinking Arabica. It’s an acquired taste for some, but for those seeking a coffee that tells a bold and unconventional story, it’s a revelation.
Why Excelsa is Gaining traction Now
The modern specialty coffee movement thrives on novelty and depth. We’re no longer satisfied with just a “good” cup of coffee; we want an experience. We want to taste the terroir, understand the process, and explore the outer boundaries of flavor. Excelsa fits perfectly into this narrative. Its bizarre and complex taste profile offers something genuinely new to seasoned coffee drinkers who feel they have tasted it all.
Furthermore, roasters and baristas are constantly looking for new tools to express their creativity. Excelsa provides a unique ingredient for crafting innovative blends or showcasing as a compelling single-origin offering. Its natural tartness and complexity can add incredible depth to a blend, cutting through sweetness and adding a fascinating layer of flavor. As more small-batch roasters experiment with it, word is spreading through coffee shops and online communities, building a dedicated following.
Brewing Your First Cup of Excelsa
Approaching Excelsa requires a slight shift in mindset. Don’t brew it expecting a traditional coffee. To best appreciate its unique characteristics, consider using a manual brewing method that allows you to control the variables and highlight its complexity. Methods like a pour-over (Hario V60 or Chemex) or a French Press are excellent choices.
Start with a medium grind size, similar to what you’d use for a pour-over. Because of its often tart and fruity initial notes, you might want to use water that is just off the boil (around 200°F or 93°C). This can help extract those bright acids without pulling out too much bitterness. Experiment with your ratio; a good starting point is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. Most importantly, go in with an open mind. Taste it at different temperatures as the cup cools, and notice how the flavors change and evolve from the first sip to the last.
The Future of Excelsa in a Changing Climate
Beyond its flavor, Excelsa’s resilience cannot be overlooked. As Arabica plants become increasingly vulnerable to rising global temperatures and fungal diseases like coffee leaf rust, the coffee industry is actively searching for more robust alternatives. While Robusta is a common substitute, it lacks the complex acidity prized in specialty coffee.
This is where Excelsa’ potential shines. Its natural hardiness and ability to thrive in warmer climates position it as a crucial candidate for the future of sustainable coffee farming. By developing a market for high-quality, specialty-grade Excelsa, we can encourage farmers to cultivate it, not just as a filler bean, but as a premium product. This supports agricultural biodiversity and provides farmers with a more climate-resistant crop that also commands a better price.
Is Excelsa Worth Trying?
Absolutely. Whether Excelsa becomes “the next big thing” on a massive scale remains to be seen. Its challenging flavor profile may prevent it from ever dethroning the crowd-pleasing Arabica. However, that’s not really the point. Excelsa’s value lies in its ability to expand our coffee horizons. It adds diversity to the ecosystem, offers a tool for creator expression, and provides a resilient option for farmers.
For you, the coffee drinker, it represents an opportunity to taste something truly different. It’s a conversation starter, a journey in a cup, and a reminder of the incredible diversity that the coffee plant has to offer. Seek out a reputable specialty roaster who is sourcing quality Excelsa beans. Approach it not as a replacement for your daily brew, but as an exploration—a chance to experience a hidden chapter in the vast book of coffee.
So, keep an eye out for it. Ask your local barista if they’ve heard of it. You might just find that this peculiar bean from the Liberica family offers the most memorable and intriguing coffee experience you’ve had in years.