What is the difference between Colombian Supremo and Excelso?

In the world of Colombian coffee, grading is primarily a matter of physical size rather than a direct indicator of flavor quality. The terms 'Supremo' and 'Excelso' are the two most common classifications used by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia to categorize green coffee beans after they have been processed and dried.

Supremo is the highest grade in terms of size. These beans are sorted using screens with holes of 17/64 of an inch (approximately 6.75mm to 7.1mm). Because these beans are larger, they are often perceived as more uniform and aesthetically pleasing, which historically allowed them to command a higher price in the international market. It is important to note that 'Supremo' does not necessarily mean 'better tasting'—it simply means the beans are larger.

Excelso, on the other hand, consists of slightly smaller beans, typically screened at 14/64 to 15/64 of an inch (5.5mm to 6.0mm). Often, a single harvest will contain both Supremo and Excelso beans. After the coffee is milled, the beans are passed through a series of vibrating screens that separate them by size. The larger beans are labeled Supremo, and the smaller ones are labeled Excelso.

While the size difference is clear, the impact on the final cup is subtle. Some roasters prefer Supremo for its perceived consistency during the roasting process, while others find that Excelso beans offer excellent flavor profiles that are just as complex as their larger counterparts. In fact, many high-quality specialty coffees from Colombia are sold as 'Excelso' because the flavor profile is exceptional, regardless of the bean size.

For the consumer, understanding these terms helps demystify the labels on coffee bags. When you see 'Supremo,' you are paying for the labor-intensive sorting process that ensures a large, uniform bean size. When you see 'Excelso,' you are often getting a great value for a high-quality bean that may simply be a bit smaller. Both represent the rigorous quality standards that have made Colombian coffee a global benchmark for consistency and reliability.