What are Supremo coffee beans?
"Supremo" refers to a grading classification for coffee beans from Colombia. Supremo coffee beans are exclusively from Colombia. The term is part of Colombia's coffee grading system, which also includes Excelso beans, a slightly smaller grade.
In the coffee industry, beans are graded based on size, with larger beans typically being considered of higher quality. "Supremo" is one of the highest grades for coffee beans, indicating that the beans are larger and more uniform in size compared to lower grades.
Supremo beans typically boast a screen size of 17 or 18, slightly larger than the Excelso variety.
What does a coffee bean screen size of 17 or 18 mean?
The screen size of coffee beans, such as 17 or 18, refers to the size of the beans measured by the holes in a screen through which the beans are sorted. These measurements are part of the grading system used to categorise coffee beans based on their size, which is an important factor in ensuring consistency in roasting and flavour.
How it works:
Screen Size 17: Beans that are 17/64 of an inch in diameter.
Screen Size 18: Beans that are 18/64 of an inch in diameter.
The beans are sifted through a series of screens with different hole sizes. The number corresponds to the size of the holes in 64ths of an inch. For example, a screen size 18 means the holes are 18/64 of an inch wide. Beans that pass through a screen size 18 but are retained by a screen size 17 are considered size 17/18.
The significance of screen size includes:
Uniformity in Roasting - Larger, uniform beans tend to roast more evenly. If beans are of different sizes, they can roast unevenly, leading to an inconsistent flavour profile.
Quality Perception - Larger beans, such as those graded 17/18, are often perceived to be of higher quality, although this is not always the case as flavour is influenced by many factors.
Sorting and Grading - Screen size is part of the grading system used to standardise coffee beans for trade and sale. It helps buyers and roasters know what to expect in terms of bean size and can influence the price.
So, the screen size of 17 or 18 indicates the diameter of the coffee beans and is used to ensure consistency in roasting and quality
What makes Supremo coffee so special?
Size Consistency - Supremo beans are larger and more consistent in size compared to lower-grade beans. This uniformity often indicates better quality control during cultivation and processing.
Enhanced Flavour - Larger beans tend to have a more concentrated flavour profile. Supremo coffee often boasts a rich and nuanced flavour with well-defined characteristics, such as a balanced acidity and distinct aroma.
Brewing Versatility - Due to their size and quality, Supremo beans are extremely versatile and are suitable for many different brewing methods, including espresso, drip coffee, French press, and cold brew.
High-Quality Standards - The Supremo classification reflects adherence to strict quality standards set by coffee-producing regions. These standards encompass factors such as altitude, climate, cultivation practices, and processing methods.
Consistent Reputation - Supremo coffee has earned a reputation for excellence and consistency among coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its high quality and reliable characteristics make it a popular choice for those seeking a premium coffee experience.
Supremo coffee represents a top-tier category of beans known for their size, quality, and exceptional flavour, making them a special and sought-after option for many coffee connoisseurs.
About Colombian coffee
Colombia stands as the second-largest global contributor to coffee production, boasting the top spot in 'washed' Arabica beans. Annually, it exports around 12.5 million bags of coffee, with approximately half destined for the United States, while domestically consuming about 2 million bags.
What sets Colombia apart is its geographical diversity, ensuring that coffee production is a year-round affair. Thanks to its vast size and varied terrains, there's always a region in Colombia in full swing with coffee cultivation.
Colombia's coffee production spans across 32 departments, akin to states, and encompasses 22 distinct coffee-growing regions.
Our Colombia Supremo Coffee Beans are meticulously sourced from a single region, though this region may vary depending on the time of year. Nonetheless, what remains consistent is the meticulously crafted cup profile, tailored to meet the unique characteristics of each regional blend.
What are the most common types of coffee beans grown in Colombia?
Several types of coffee beans are commonly grown across Colombia. The most common types are:
Typica - This is one of the earliest and most traditional varieties of Arabica coffee grown in Colombia. It is known for its sweet and clean flavour profile with good acidity.
Bourbon - Another traditional Arabica variety, Bourbon is appreciated for its rich and complex flavour, often with notes of chocolate and fruit. It is known for producing high-quality beans and is widely grown in Colombia.
Caturra - A mutation of Bourbon, Caturra is one of the most widely grown coffee varieties in Colombia. It is favoured for its disease resistance and high yield. Caturra offers a bright acidity and a medium body, with a balanced flavour.
Castillo - Developed by Colombia’s National Coffee Research Center (Cenicafé), Castillo is bred for its resistance to coffee leaf rust and other diseases. It retains the desirable flavour characteristics of traditional Colombian coffee while being more resilient.
Colombia (Variedad Colombia) - Another variety developed by Cenicafé, this hybrid is a cross between Caturra and the Timor Hybrid. It is designed to resist diseases and pests while producing a good yield. The flavour profile is similar to traditional Colombian coffees, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
Maragogipe - Known as the "Elephant Bean" due to its large size, Maragogipe is a mutation of Typica. It is not as widely grown as other varieties, but it is valued for its unique flavour profile, which can include floral and fruity notes.
These varieties are cultivated across Colombia’s diverse coffee-growing regions, benefiting from the country's ideal climate and geographical conditions.
Our Colombian Supremo Coffee is the Typica, Caturra and Bourbon varietals.
What does Colombian Supremo coffee taste like?
Colombian Supremo coffee is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour and aromatic profile. This coffee originates from the high-altitude regions of Colombia, where the ideal climate and fertile volcanic soil contribute to its unique taste.
The flavour profile of Colombian Supremo coffee typically includes notes of chocolate and caramel, with some variations exhibiting hints of nuttiness and citrus. The coffee is known for its smooth and balanced acidity, which adds a refreshing brightness to the rich, deep flavours. You might also notice subtle floral and fruity undertones, which add to its complexity and make each cup a distinctive experience.
As mentioned, Colombian Supremo beans are larger than average, which is partly why they produce such a robust and full-bodied coffee. The beans are often roasted to a medium level, allowing the natural flavours to develop fully without becoming too intense or bitter.
Our speciality single origin Colombian Supremo Arabica Coffee Beans have been delicately hand-roasted by us, to produce a balanced and smooth cup with sweet notes of fruit, chocolate and caramel, a medium body, bright acidity and a pleasant, clean aftertaste.
Where to buy Colombian Supremo coffee beans in the UK?
We are a UK stockist of Colombian Supremo coffee beans. We carefully select all our green coffee beans from our Direct Importers, allowing us to trace the origin of the coffee beans not only back to the region, but also to the specific farm and farmer, or cooperative. This traceability ensures that farmers and their workers are fairly compensated for their efforts and that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their local environment.
Well Roasted Coffee is an independent artisan coffee roastery based in the Welland Valley, just outside Market Harborough, on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. We hand-roast ethically sourced speciality coffee from around the Coffee Belt of the world. We are passionate about single origin Arabica coffee and aim to preserve their unique characteristics and enhance them through delicate roasting. We also have a selection of our own espresso house blends.
Every speciality coffee we offer has been tasted and enjoyed by us, and we hope you will enjoy them too.
Haven't tried our Colombian Supremo Coffee Beans yet? Just add a 200g bag to your next coffee order to give it a try. And enjoy!