What is the difference between Supremo and Excelso coffee?
The difference between Supremo and Excelso is primarily bean size. Supremo is the largest grade of Colombian coffee, with beans passing through a of 17/64 of an inch. Excelso is slightly smaller, passing through a of 14/64 to 16/64 of an inch. Both grades can be of excellent quality.
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In the Colombian coffee industry, grading is largely based on the physical size of the bean. This is a traditional method of classification that helps buyers understand the uniformity of a lot. The two most common grades you will encounter are Supremo and Excelso. While these terms are often mistaken for quality indicators, they are technically measurements of .
Supremo is the highest grade in terms of size. These beans are large, typically measuring 17/64 of an inch or larger. Because they are larger, they are often perceived as being more uniform and easier to roast evenly. Many consumers associate the 'Supremo' label with the highest quality, and while it does indicate a large, well-sorted bean, it is not a direct measure of flavor or cup score.
Excelso beans are slightly smaller, falling into the 14/64 to 16/64 of an inch range. Historically, Excelso was considered a secondary grade, but in the modern market, this distinction has blurred. Many Excelso lots are just as delicious and complex as Supremo lots. The size difference is often a result of the specific coffee variety or the growing conditions, rather than a lack of care by the farmer.
It is important to understand that bean size does not always correlate with flavor. A smaller bean can be just as dense and flavorful as a larger one. In fact, some of the most prized coffee varieties, such as certain Ethiopian heirlooms, naturally produce smaller beans. The grading system in Colombia is simply a way to organize the harvest for export, ensuring that roasters receive a consistent product that fits their equipment and roasting style.
In practice, you should not choose between Supremo and Excelso based on the name alone. Both grades can produce exceptional coffee. When buying Colombian coffee, look for information about the farm, the processing method, and the . If you are a home roaster, you might prefer Supremo for its size uniformity, but if you are buying roasted coffee, let your palate be the final judge. The grade is just a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
- ·https://federaciondecafeteros.org/wp/en/coffee-industry/colombian-coffee-quality/Verify source for reference 1 ↗
- ·https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-GradingVerify source for reference 2 ↗