How Colombia Grades Its Coffee Beans by Size

When shopping for Colombian coffee, you might notice labels like "Supremo" or see no origin details at all. But does a Supremo grade really mean better flavor? Not necessarily. Colombia uses a straightforward—and limited—system based purely on bean size, not taste profile or processing quality. For coffee drinkers looking for flavor, this system can be misleading.

Colombian coffee beans are graded primarily by size: 18 mesh (about 7 mm in diameter) or larger earns a Supremo grade, while anything below that is classified as Excelso. That’s the whole grading system. Taste, processing method, or farm origin? Not part of the official grade.

What Does “Supremo” and “Excelso” Actually Mean?

Colombia’s coffee classification system is built around bean size, not cup quality. The terms Supremo and Excelso refer solely to the physical dimensions of the green coffee beans. A Supremo bean is 18 mesh or larger, which translates to roughly 7 millimeters in diameter. Anything under 18 mesh is classified as Excelso. These terms tell you nothing about flavor notes, processing style, or origin specifics.

How Bean Size Is Measured: The Mesh System

Coffee bean size in Colombia is measured using a screen or mesh system, where mesh number indicates the number of openings per linear inch. One mesh equals 1/64 of an inch. So, 18 mesh means each opening is 18/64 inches across. In metric terms, that’s about 7 millimeters in diameter—the minimum size for a bean to qualify as Supremo. To convert: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, so 1/64 inch ≈ 0.397 mm, and 18/64 inch ≈ 7.14 mm.

Why Size Doesn’t Equal Quality

Larger beans like those graded Supremo often come from higher altitudes and mature more slowly, which can correlate with better cup qualities—but this is not guaranteed. In Colombia, the Supremo grade doesn’t account for factors like altitude, varietal, processing method, or farm practices. Many high-quality, specialty-grade coffees from well-known regions or estates include detailed origin and farm info on the label. If your Colombian coffee bag lacks those details, it’s likely a commercial-grade bean sourced from the MAM growing region and graded only by size.

The Role of Origin and Processing in Flavor

Unlike size-based grading, origin and processing methods have a direct impact on flavor. Coffees from specific regions like Huila or Nariño, or those processed using washed or honey methods, often develop unique tasting notes. However, these details are not reflected in the Supremo/Excelso classification. Specialty roasters and conscientious consumers prioritize origin transparency over bean size labels alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Supremo” mean on Colombian coffee?

Supremo is a grade given to Colombian coffee beans that are 18 mesh or larger, which is about 7 millimeters in diameter. It refers only to bean size, not taste, processing method, or origin. A Supremo coffee might be large in size but not necessarily high in quality or flavor complexity.

What is the mesh system for coffee beans?

The mesh system measures coffee bean size by counting the number of openings per linear inch on a screen. One mesh equals 1/64 of an inch. For example, 18 mesh means each hole is 18/64 inches wide, allowing only beans of that size or larger to pass through. In metric terms, 18 mesh is approximately 7 millimeters in diameter.

What’s the difference between Supremo and Excelso coffee?

Supremo coffee beans are graded as 18 mesh or larger (about 7 mm), while Excelso beans are smaller than 18 mesh. Both terms refer only to the physical size of the green beans, not their flavor, origin, or processing quality. Supremo does not mean better taste.

Does bean size affect coffee flavor?

Larger beans often come from higher altitudes and may have more complex flavors, but size alone is not a reliable indicator of taste. Many factors like altitude, varietal, processing method, and farm practices play a much bigger role in determining coffee flavor than bean size does.

Why don’t some Colombian coffees list origin details?

If a Colombian coffee bag lacks origin or estate information, it’s likely a commercial-grade coffee, often sourced from the MAM region and graded only by size. Specialty coffees usually include detailed information about farm, region, and processing, which are key to understanding flavor potential.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Size & Origin Lovers

For coffee drinkers interested in both origin and bean characteristics, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Natural, known for stone fruit and jasmine notes, or their Colombia Huila Honey, which highlights tropical fruit and caramel. Both beans include full traceability and are selected for cup quality, not just size. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.