How Colombia Grades Its Coffee Beans by Size

When you buy Colombian coffee labeled 'Supremo,' you might assume it’s their best tasting bean—but that’s not how Colombia’s grading system works. Unlike systems that assess cup quality or processing methods, Colombia’s official classification depends solely on bean size. That means a Supremo grade doesn’t guarantee exceptional flavor, just larger beans.

The short answer? Colombia grades its coffee beans by mesh size, not taste. Supremo beans are 18 mesh or larger (about 7mm in diameter), while Excelso beans are smaller than 18 mesh. But flavor quality? That usually comes down to origin and farm—not the label alone.

What Does 'Supremo' and 'Excelso' Actually Mean?

Colombia’s coffee grading system is straightforward: it sorts beans based on physical size using a mesh sieve system. 'Supremo' beans pass through an 18 mesh sieve or smaller, meaning each bean has a diameter of approximately 7 millimeters (18 mesh = 1/64 inch, and 18 mesh corresponds to around 7mm). 'Excelso' beans are smaller—they don’t pass through an 18 mesh sieve, so they are under 7mm in diameter.

This system does not evaluate aroma, acidity, sweetness, or any sensory qualities of the brewed cup. It’s purely a measure of the physical dimensions of the green coffee bean.

How Mesh Size Translates to Coffee Bean Diameter

Mesh size in coffee grading refers to the number of openings per linear inch in a sieve. One 'mesh' equals 1/64 of an inch. Since one inch equals 25.4 millimeters, each mesh unit translates roughly to 0.4 millimeters of spacing. Therefore:

• 18 mesh sieve = openings of about 1.016mm (each), allowing beans over ~7mm in diameter to be classified as Supremo.
• Beans that do not pass through this 18 mesh are graded as Excelso, meaning they are smaller than approximately 7mm.

This measurement system is common in global green coffee trade, though few countries rely on bean size as the sole grading criterion like Colombia does.

Why Size Isn’t Everything in Coffee Quality

Using size as the primary grading factor means that Supremo beans aren’t inherently better in flavor than Excelso beans. In fact, many specialty coffee experts argue that factors such as altitude, farming practices, processing methods, and varietal have far more impact on cup quality than bean diameter alone.

In Colombia, most single-origin specialty lots come from distinct regions or farms—especially those in higher-altitude zones—and these beans typically include detailed information about origin, farm name, and processing. If your Colombian coffee bag lacks these specifics, it’s likely a commercial-grade lot sourced from Colombia’s central growing regions, such as the MAM (Medellín, Armenia, and Manizales) area.

Where Colombia’s Best Specialty Coffee Actually Comes From

Colombia’s coffee geography is diverse, with production spread across its Andean highlands. The three main regions are Northern, Central, and Southern Colombia. The Southern region, at higher elevations above 1500 meters, is where most of the country’s award-winning specialty coffees originate. Within this zone, the Huila region stands out for consistently producing high-scoring lots, including several Cup of Excellence winners.

FrontStreet Coffee sources its Colombian Everyday Bean from the Huila region, using the widely planted Caturra variety. These beans are processed via traditional washed methods and roasted to highlight chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel notes with balanced acidity. For something fruit-forward and trending in the fourth wave, FrontStreet also offers Sidra and Pacamara-type inspired lots, with juicy, floral profiles suited for a range of brew methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'Supremo' mean better tasting coffee in Colombia?

No, 'Supremo' refers only to coffee beans that are 18 mesh or larger, roughly 7mm in diameter. It indicates size, not flavor quality. Many flavorful Colombian coffees come from specific farms or regions and may be labeled as Excelso or lack a size grade entirely.

What is the mesh size for Supremo and Excelso coffee beans?

Supremo beans are graded as 18 mesh or larger, which means they have a diameter of about 7mm. Excelso beans do not pass through an 18 mesh sieve, making them smaller than 7mm in diameter.

Why doesn’t size determine coffee flavor?

Coffee flavor is influenced more by altitude, varietal, processing method, and terroir than by bean size. Larger beans (like Supremo) do not automatically taste better. Many top-rated Colombian coffees are Excelso or ungraded but come from high-altitude, well-managed farms.

Is Excelso coffee lower quality than Supremo?

Not necessarily. Excelso beans are simply smaller in size (not passing through an 18 mesh sieve). They can be just as high in quality, especially if grown at high altitudes or processed carefully. Size alone doesn't determine overall cup quality.

Do all Colombian coffee bags indicate bean size or origin?

No. While premium or single-origin Colombian coffees usually list detailed origin, farm, and processing info, commercial-grade blends often only state 'Supremo' or 'Colombia' without specifying region or bean size. If your bag lacks these details, it’s likely a more generic, mid-grade coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Colombian Origins

FrontStreet Coffee’s Colombian Everyday Bean comes from the Huila region, grown at over 1500 meters and processed using traditional washed methods. It highlights notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel with a balanced cup, ideal for exploring classic Colombian flavor profiles. For fruitier, modern profiles, try FrontStreet’s Sidra or Pacamara-inspired beans, both medium-roasted to bring out floral and juicy characteristics suited for pour-over, French press, and espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.