Beautiful Plants For Your Interior
When you think of Indian coffee, you probably imagine the smoothness of Arabica or the strength of Robusta. But hidden in the lush hills of South India lies a third, almost mystical variety — Excelsa.
It’s rare, complex, and unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted. Yet most coffee lovers have never even heard its name.
Let’s brew a story around this forgotten star.
☕ 1. What Exactly Is Excelsa Coffee?
Excelsa (scientifically Coffea liberica var. dewevrei) is like the poet of the coffee world — expressive, unpredictable, and layered.
Originally discovered in Central Africa, this bean found a second home in the tropical belts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad in India.
Though it’s technically a cousin of Liberica, it stands on its own — tall trees, asymmetric beans, and a flavor profile that feels like a tropical vacation in every sip.
🌱 2. The Plant That Grows Like a Tree, Not a Bush
Unlike Arabica or Robusta, which grow as shrubs, Excelsa is literally a tree — stretching 20–30 feet tall.
Farmers often say tending to it is like caring for a mango tree: it demands patience and space but rewards you with depth and sweetness.
In India, Excelsa thrives where the soil is rich in minerals and the air is heavy with monsoon mist — a blend of nature that gives it that exotic edge.
🌺 3. The Taste: A Symphony in Every Sip
Here’s where Excelsa truly shines — its flavor is multidimensional.
- Fruity: Think mangoes, lychees, and guava — tropical sweetness that dances on your tongue.
- Nutty: As the cup cools, hints of roasted almonds and hazelnuts unfold.
- Woody: A gentle earthiness grounds the cup, reminiscent of rain-kissed soil.
- Tannic: A touch of red-wine-like astringency gives it structure and body.
It’s neither as acidic as Arabica nor as bitter as Robusta — it sits gracefully in between, offering balance and surprise in every sip.
🔥 4. The Craft Behind the Cup
Growing Excelsa isn’t easy. Each tree takes 3–4 years to mature, and harvesting is done entirely by hand — one ripe cherry at a time.
Processing is another art form:
- Washed method brings out brightness and clean fruit notes.
- Dry (natural) method deepens sweetness and complexity.
Roasting Excelsa is a delicate dance — too light, and it’s shy; too dark, and it hides its personality. The perfect roast captures its wild, fruity heart and nutty soul.
🧊 5. Brewing Excelsa the Indian Way
Because of its balanced body and mild acidity, Excelsa adapts beautifully to our Indian coffee habits.
Try it as:
- Pour-Over or French Press for clean, layered flavors.
- Cold Brew for smooth, chocolatey notes with tropical hints.
- Or even Filter Coffee — a South Indian twist to a rare bean.
If you’re the kind who loves experimenting, mix it up —
70% Arabica + 30% Excelsa gives you sweetness with depth.
Or blend Robusta + Excelsa for strength with a playful fruity edge.
🌍 6. Why You Probably Haven’t Heard of It (Yet)
Excelsa is still an underdog. It yields less, demands more care, and isn’t produced at industrial scale.
That’s why big brands and supermarkets rarely stock it — it doesn’t fit into mass production models.
But for small, passionate Indian roasters (like us 😉), it’s a treasure worth the effort.
The world is slowly waking up to this bean’s potential. As specialty coffee grows in India, Excelsa is set to become the next conversation-starter among coffee lovers.
| Feature | Arabica | Robusta | Excelsa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Floral, citrusy | Strong, bitter | Fruity, nutty, complex |
| Caffeine | Low | High | Medium |
| Acidity | Bright | Flat | Balanced |
| Body | Smooth | Heavy | Full & round |
| Rarity | Common | Common | Rare in India |
🌿 8. Why We Fell in Love with Excelsa
At our roastery, the first batch of Excelsa we cupped left us speechless. It was bold yet elegant, familiar yet mysterious.
It reminded us of India itself — diverse, layered, and full of surprise.
Every time we roast Excelsa, we’re reminded why we started this journey: to celebrate Indian coffee in all its glory — including the forgotten varieties that deserve the spotlight.
💚 9. The Future of Excelsa Coffee in India
Excelsa represents where Indian coffee is headed — authentic, experimental, and globally admired.
As more Indian farmers cultivate it and more coffee drinkers discover it, we’ll see Excelsa step out from the shadows of Arabica and Robusta.
So the next time you brew a cup, give this rare Indian gem a chance.
It might just change the way you think about coffee.
Final Pour
Excelsa coffee isn’t just a bean — it’s a story of patience, climate, and craftsmanship.
It’s the hidden note in India’s coffee symphony, waiting to be discovered by those who truly love the art of the brew.
☕ Try our Excelsa Roast — Taste India’s Rarest Coffee → [Shop Now]
Tasting notes
Complex mixed fruits, lychee, jackfruit, ripe banana sweetness with a hint of passion fruit tartness which enhances the sweet fruit notes
Specifications
Type: Excelsa
Selection: Excelsa
Process: Double Fermented Black Honey
Year : 2024
Farm: Mooleh Manay
Area: Suntikoopa
Coorg Coorg
Altitude 1000 MASL
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