Among the rarest and most fascinating coffee varieties in the world, Excelsa coffee — scientifically known as Coffea liberica var. dewevrei — holds a unique place in coffee history.
Although often referred to as Coffea excelsa, botanically it is classified as a variety of Liberica, not a separate species.
Excelsa is loved for its distinctive fruity acidity, deep aroma, and full-bodied flavor, making it a prized ingredient in specialty coffee blends and single-origin offerings alike.
🌍 Origin and Classification
The Excelsa coffee variety was first discovered in Central Africa, specifically near Lake Chad and the Congo Basin, by the Belgian botanist François Dewevre in the early 20th century.
It was originally classified as a separate species — Coffea dewevrei or Coffea excelsa — but later research confirmed that it is a variety of Coffea liberica, sharing many botanical traits with its parent species.
Today, it is recognized scientifically as:
👉 Coffea liberica var. dewevrei (De Wild. & T. Durand)
Despite its limited global presence, Excelsa plays a vital role in coffee diversity and sustainability, especially in tropical climates unsuitable for Arabica.
🌿 Botanical Characteristics
The Excelsa plant combines Liberica’s strength with a slightly smaller size and higher productivity.
Main traits include:
- Tree height: 6–10 meters (smaller than standard Liberica)
- Leaves: Broad, shiny green, and slightly wavy
- Cherries: Medium to large, oval-shaped
- Beans: Asymmetrical and slightly smaller than typical Liberica beans
- Root system: Deep and fibrous, resistant to drought
- Growth: Vigorous and adaptable to tropical lowlands
Because of its moderate size, Excelsa is easier to harvest and manage than pure Liberica trees.
☕ Flavor Profile
The flavor of Excelsa coffee is unlike any other — bold yet fruity, tart yet sweet, offering incredible complexity.
Typical tasting notes:
- Bright acidity with tropical fruit tones
- Full body with syrupy mouthfeel
- Notes of dark berries, spice, and dried fruit
- Slightly smoky or woody aroma
- Sweet, wine-like finish
This balance between fruitiness and richness makes Excelsa a favorite among roasters seeking depth in their blends.
🌱 Growing Conditions
Excelsa thrives in environments that challenge Arabica, performing best in humid tropical climates.
Ideal conditions:
- Altitude: 200–800 meters
- Temperature: 22–30°C
- Rainfall: 1,500–2,500 mm annually
- Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained tropical soils
- Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun
It grows well in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, often interplanted with other crops like cocoa and coconut.
🌾 Agricultural Advantages
✅ High resistance to pests and coffee leaf rust
✅ Adaptable to hot, humid lowland climates
✅ More manageable height compared to Liberica
✅ Distinctive cup quality suitable for blending or single-origin roasting
✅ Excellent drought tolerance
Because of these strengths, Excelsa is gaining popularity among farmers in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines as a sustainable and profitable alternative to Arabica.
⚠️ Challenges and Limitations
❌ Low global demand due to limited consumer familiarity
❌ Thick fruit skin requires longer drying and processing
❌ Uneven ripening makes harvesting more labor-intensive
❌ Flavor complexity can be polarizing — not every drinker appreciates its tartness
However, the growing specialty coffee movement is helping reintroduce Excelsa to a wider audience, where its unique taste is seen as a strength rather than a flaw.
🧬 Genetic Relationship to Other Coffees
- Parent species: Coffea liberica
- Close relatives: Liberica var. robusta (Nganda) and Liberica var. barako (Philippine Barako)
- Distinct from: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta)
Excelsa is particularly valuable in breeding programs for its:
- Genetic diversity and resilience
- Tolerance to heat and drought
- Potential to improve flavor balance in hybrids
It serves as a bridge between traditional Liberica and modern hybrid coffee varieties.
🌍 Main Producing Regions
Today, Excelsa coffee is grown mainly in:
- Vietnam 🇻🇳 – Often blended with Robusta for added aroma and acidity.
- Philippines 🇵🇭 – Cultivated alongside Liberica Barako.
- Indonesia 🇮🇩 – Found in Sumatra and Sulawesi regions.
- Malaysia 🇲🇾 – Produced in small farms in Johor and Selangor.
- Central Africa 🌍 – Wild and semi-wild populations still exist in Congo and Chad.
Though limited in quantity, these regions preserve Excelsa’s genetic and cultural legacy.
☕ Uses in Coffee Blends
Excelsa’s bold and fruity character makes it ideal for:
- Enhancing acidity and depth in espresso blends
- Cold brews and slow-drip methods, where its syrupy sweetness shines
- Single-origin roasting, for a unique and exotic profile
When roasted medium, it reveals a vibrant fruitiness; darker roasts highlight its chocolatey, smoky undertones.
❤️ Final Thoughts
The Excelsa coffee variety (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei) is a true hidden gem — a variety that unites flavor intensity, adaptability, and rarity.
Its complex taste, tropical resilience, and heritage as part of the Liberica family make it one of the most exciting coffees for the future.
As the world looks for sustainable alternatives to Arabica, Excelsa stands ready — a fruit-forward, climate-hardy coffee for a changing planet.
☕ Excelsa coffee — vibrant, exotic, and deeply alive in every sip.
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