Colombia’s coffee-growing region benefits from ideal climatic conditions, including rich volcanic soil, ample rain, and consistent temperatures. These factors contribute to the distinct flavor profile of Colombian coffee, which is known for having a mild taste, and a balanced acidity, often with a hint of nutty and fruity undertones.
Asides from flavor, there are also other ways to grade coffee beans, such as by their size.
This article will discuss and compare two prominent grading scales used in the context of Colombian coffee, which are based on bean size: Excelso and Supremo.
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Excelso Beans
Excelso beans are often perceived as a specific coffee variety, but in reality, they are a size grading.
Excelso beans are slightly smaller than Supremo beans, typically measuring between 15 and 16 screen sizes. This measurement refers to the size of the holes in the metal screens used to sort the beans.
Despite being smaller, Excelso beans aren’t necessarily inferior in quality. They come from the same species of Arabica plant as Supremo beans and are often grown in the same regions.
Supremo Beans
Supremo beans are the largest beans among Colombian coffee varieties, generally sized at 17 or 18 on the screen scale.
The cultivation of Supremo beans is a meticulous process. Farmers pay close attention to every detail, from the altitude of the plantations to the picking of the ripe cherries. The larger size of the Supremo beans requires a slightly different approach to processing, particularly in sorting and roasting.
Supremo beans typically offer a very similar flavor profile to Excelso beans, given that they can be from the same varieties of Arabica coffee. Supremo beans, due to their larger size, may require a slightly longer roasting time, which can influence their flavor. However, to the average coffee drinker, the taste differences between Excelso and Supremo beans are often subtle.
