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When it comes to rare and distinctive coffee varieties, Liberica and Excelsa truly stand apart. While Arabica and Robusta dominate the global market, these exotic beans provide adventurous coffee drinkers with bold, fruity, and multi-layered flavors. Here’s a deep dive into their differences, flavor profiles, and the best brands to try.
1. Liberica Coffee: Bold, Fruity, and Exotic
🌿 Flavor Profile
a) Rich, smoky, and fruity with hints of dark chocolate, jackfruit, and floral honey.
b) A heavy-bodied coffee with a lingering, earthy aftertaste.
☕ Unique Traits
a) Larger, irregular-shaped beans distinct from Arabica and Robusta.
b) Primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia, with notable production in the Philippines and Malaysia.
c) Representing less than 2% of global coffee production, these beans are a true rarity among coffee connoisseurs.
🔹 Best Liberica Coffee Brands
✅ Bo’s Coffee Liberica (Philippines) – Showcases woody and fruity notes unique to Liberica.
✅ Liberica Coffee Malaysia – Offers single-origin Liberica with its signature smoky and bold flavor.
2. Excelsa Coffee: Tart, Mysterious, and Complex
🌿 Flavor Profile
a) Tart, fruity, and wine-like with notes of dark berries and tropical fruit.
b) A medium-light body with a refreshing and tangy finish.
☕ Unique Traits
a) Although classified as a variety of Liberica, Excelsa stands out with its smaller, rounder beans and distinctive flavor profile.
b) Grown mainly in Southeast Asia, Excelsa is enjoyed both as a single-origin brew and as a unique component in specialty blends.
c) Enhances coffee blends by adding depth and complexity.
🔹 Best Excelsa Coffee Brands
✅ Bote Central Excelsa (Philippines) – Specializes in single-origin Excelsa, highlighting its fruity, tangy notes.
✅ Len’s Coffee Excelsa Blend – Features Excelsa as a blend component, enhancing aroma and complexity.
3. Key Differences: Liberica vs. Excelsa
| Aspect | Liberica | Excelsa |
| Flavor | Bold, smoky, woody, fruity | Tart, fruity, wine-like |
| Body | Heavy | Medium-light |
| Aftertaste | Lingering, earthy | Refreshing, tangy |
| Usage | Often enjoyed as a single-origin | Commonly used in blends |
4. Availability & Rarity
a) Liberica accounts for less than 2% of the world’s coffee supply, while Excelsa is even scarcer, making both highly sought after by enthusiasts.
b) Both are niche specialty coffees, making them prized among coffee connoisseurs.
5. Which Coffee Should You Choose?
☕ Opt for Liberica if you enjoy a bold, full-bodied coffee with rich smoky notes and a subtle fruity finish.
✅ Bo’s Coffee Liberica for an authentic Southeast Asian experience.
☕ Choose Excelsa if you prefer a lighter, tangier coffee with vibrant acidity and wine-like complexity.
✅ Bote Central Excelsa for a bright and refreshing cup.
📌 Conclusion: Explore the Rare World of Liberica & Excelsa Coffee
If you’re eager to step beyond the familiar flavors of Arabica and Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa invite you on a bold and exhilarating tasting adventure. Whether you savor the smoky, deep intensity of Liberica or the bright, tart character of Excelsa, these rare coffee varieties will transform your coffee experience.