Coffee Varietal - Why it matters…
5 Reasons Why Coffee Varietals Matter in Specialty Coffee
From Coffee Growers at Origin to Importers and Coffee Roasters, the varietal of coffee can be part of the consideration when choosing to invest in this amazing product. Whether it is pest resistance, fruit yield, flavour or quality, the varietal plays an important role in how the end product presents in the cup. There are many different varietals of coffee grown in the world today and here are a few reasons why some are chosen above others and why some garner some of the highest prices in the world of specialty coffee.
Unique Flavor Profiles
Different coffee varietals have distinct flavor profiles influenced by factors like altitude, soil composition, and processing methods. Specialty coffee buyers are intrigued by the diverse tastes and aromas offered by various varietals, enriching their coffee experience.
One varietal that I always think of when presented with a boozy, syrupy and funky coffee is Castillo. Generally heralding from Colombia, the Castillo varietal can be very divisive, especially if it is a Naturally Processed representation. Expect very pronounced fruit, fermented and almost alcoholic aromas and flavors at times. Washed examples however can be bright, complex, citrusy and floral. Castillo is a relatively new kid on the block in the coffee world, developed in Colombia as a cross between Caturra and Timor Hybrid.
Another very sought after varietal is Geisha. In the realm of specialty coffee, the Geisha varietal stands as a crown jewel cherished by coffee enthusiasts around the globe. Originally hailing from the misty mountains of Ethiopia, the Geisha varietal has garnered a reputation for its unique and exquisite flavors that captivate the senses.
Crafted with precision and care, Geisha beans are distinguished by their elongated shape and delicate characteristics. When cultivated in high-altitude regions such as Panama, Colombia, or Costa Rica, this varietal develops a complex flavor profile that is unrivaled in the world of coffee.
With tasting notes that often include floral tones reminiscent of jasmine or bergamot, Geisha coffee can also surprise with hints of tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. Its light body and tea-like mouthfeel add to the overall exquisite experience, making each sip a journey of discovery and delight.
Lastly but hardly exhaustively, the many colours of the Bourbon varietal are an absolute treat. Originating from the lush coffee-growing regions of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Rwanda, and El Salvador, bourbon coffee is known for its exceptional flavor profile and unique characteristics.
This coffee varietal boasts a smooth and rich taste, often described as sweet and complex with a velvety mouthfeel. The flavor notes of bourbon coffee can vary depending on its origin, but you can expect to encounter hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and even floral undertones in each cup.
Whether it's brewed as a single origin or blended with other varietals, bourbon coffee never fails to captivate coffee enthusiasts with its distinctive sweetness and aromatic qualities. Its medium acidity and well-balanced body make it a versatile choice for both espresso-based drinks and filter brews, appealing to a wide range of coffee lovers.
Market Differentiation
Offering a range of coffee varietals allows roasters to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. By highlighting unique varietals and educating customers on their distinct characteristics, roasters can attract buyers seeking a premium and diverse coffee experience.
Curating a healthy and diverse coffee menu is very important to us at Mosey Coffee Roasters. We spend a lot of time receiving, cupping, and sorting through samples of coffee from our coffee importers. It is important to us to ensure that we offer a variety of coffees that cater to our customers tastes as well as our own. We believe in the coffee’s we roast and serve, 100%.
We selected an El Salvador Natural to enter into the 2023 Golden Bean Coffee Roasting Competition. The coffee was exceptional; however, one of the other reasons we chose this coffee was due to the fact it was a SL28 but grown in El Salvador.
The SL28 coffee varietal originates from Kenya, where it was developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in the 1930s. This varietal is known for its exceptional cup quality, making it highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide.
SL28 is celebrated for its vibrant and complex flavor profile. It typically offers notes of bright citrus, juicy berries, and a delicate floral aroma. The acidity in SL28 coffees is often described as lively and tangy, providing a refreshing and crisp mouthfeel. Additionally, this varietal can exhibit hints of black tea and a syrupy sweetness, creating a well-balanced and memorable coffee experience.
We currently have an espresso roast of the El Salvador - Las Isabellas in stock but only for the remainder of April 2024. Tasting like Peach and Apple Strudle, it is syrupy and delicious.
El Salvador - Las Isabellas by Mosey Coffee Roasters
Sustainability and Resilience
Certain coffee varietals are more resistant to diseases or environmental stressors, making them valuable for growers seeking sustainable and resilient crops. By cultivating diverse varietals, growers can mitigate risks and adapt to changing climate conditions.
Coffee growers face challenges in maintaining healthy crops due to various diseases that can devastate plantations. Here are three coffee varietals known for their disease resistance:
Red Bourbon: This varietal is popular for its excellent cup quality and high level of resistance to coffee leaf rust, a common disease that affects coffee plants worldwide. Red Bourbon's resistance allows growers to enjoy a robust harvest without the constant threat of losing their crops.
Lempira: Originating from Honduras, Lempira is renowned for its exceptional resilience to coffee leaf rust and other common fungal diseases. Its ability to withstand these threats makes it a reliable choice for farmers seeking a durable and disease-resistant coffee varietal.
Sarchimor: A hybrid between Villa Sarchi and Timor varietals, Sarchimor is prized for its resistance to coffee leaf rust and other fungal infections. This varietal offers a balance of disease resistance and good cup quality, making it a valuable option for growers looking to protect their crops while maintaining desirable coffee characteristics.
By cultivating these resilient coffee varietals, growers can not only safeguard their plantations against diseases but also ensure a consistent supply of high-quality coffee beans for consumers to enjoy.
Cultural and Heritage Significance
Coffee varietals often have deep cultural and historical roots in specific regions, reflecting the traditions and expertise of local growers. Specialty coffee buyers appreciate the story behind each varietal, connecting them to the rich heritage and craftsmanship that goes into producing exceptional coffee.
When we talk about coffee varietals that hold significant cultural importance, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee shines brightly. This distinctive coffee hails from the Yirgacheffe region in Ethiopia, where coffee cultivation has been an integral part of the country's history and culture for centuries.
Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee, and the diverse landscapes and climates in the region contribute to the unique flavors found in Ethiopian coffees. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe stands out for its floral and fruity notes, often with a bright acidity and a smooth, tea-like body.
Moreover, coffee plays a vital role in Ethiopian social and cultural traditions. The coffee ceremony, a long-standing ritual in Ethiopian culture, involves roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee in a ceremonial manner to bring people together and foster community bonds.
One coffee varietal that holds immense cultural significance to Colombia is the Caturra. This varietal is celebrated for its balance of flavors, medium body, and bright acidity, making it a favorite among Colombian coffee enthusiasts. Caturra is deeply embedded in Colombia's coffee heritage, reflecting the country's dedication to producing high-quality beans that exhibit unique characteristics. Its popularity and recognition in the global coffee industry further solidify its importance to Colombia's cultural identity as a renowned coffee-producing nation.
The coffee varietal that holds immense cultural significance to Rwanda is the Bourbon coffee. Bourbon is a strain of the Arabica coffee plant that was brought to Rwanda by Belgian colonialists in the early 20th century. This varietal quickly became the most widely grown and beloved coffee plant in the country, renowned for its excellent cup quality and unique flavor profile.
Rwandan Bourbon coffee plays a vital role in the country's economy, as coffee production is a major source of income for many Rwandan farmers. Additionally, the coffee industry has helped to promote social cohesion and reconciliation in Rwanda since the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. Through initiatives like the Fair Trade program, Rwandan coffee farmers have been able to improve their living conditions and support their families.
Overall, Bourbon coffee from Rwanda is not just a delicious beverage, but also a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
These are just a few reasons why coffee varietals matter to specialty coffee buyers, roasters, and growers, showcasing the multifaceted importance of varietal selection in the world of specialty coffee.
About the Author
With two decades of experience operating teams within Restaurants and Cafe’s, Dave is not only an award winning coffee roaster but also an experienced barista trainer, successful manager, and entrepreneur. Managing and roasting within businesses such as White Whale Coffee Roasters, Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters and One Penny Black, Dave can provide you with the knowledge and know-how on how to take your home coffee experience to the next level. Whether you need advice on coffee to buy, machines, a grinder, or just want to give filter coffee a try; we can point you in the right direction. Need help with a blend for espresso or want to know what a Single Origin is? Just ask. We’d love to help and share our passion for coffee.
