What Is the Best Coffee in Cuba? Turquino & Extra Turquino Explained

When you think of Cuba, cigars come to mind—but what about coffee? This island nation has a long agricultural history and ideal climate conditions, so it’s natural to wonder: does Cuba produce coffee that can rival its famous tobacco? And if so, what’s the best of it?

The best coffee graded in Cuba is called Turquino or Extra Turquino. These aren’t place names but premium quality designations—much like Blue Mountain coffee in Jamaica. Turquino refers to a high-grade classification, not a specific farm or region.

What Does 'Turquino' Mean in Cuban Coffee?

In Cuba, “Turquino” is a coffee grade, not a geographic origin. This classification system indicates quality level, similar to how Jamaica labels its top coffee as Blue Mountain. The name doesn’t refer to a specific mountain or region in Cuba, but to the standard achieved by the beans selected under this grade.

How Turquino Coffee Tastes and Why

Turquino coffee is known for its pure, balanced flavor profile. The beans are typically medium in size and are grown at relatively lower altitudes compared to many Central American coffees. Because of this, the acidity is more muted—but not absent—and the cup tends toward smoothness rather than sharp brightness. It’s a milder, easy-drinking coffee with straightforward sweetness and body, often compared with other mild, balanced origins like Jamaica Blue Mountain.

Why Isn’t Cuban Coffee More Famous Globally?

Cuba has the potential to be a major coffee supplier to markets like the United States and Japan, given its suitable growing conditions. However, political and economic factors have historically limited its global export reach. Despite these barriers, Cuban coffee remains a notable origin among specialty enthusiasts who value its unique history and low-acid, clean-cup profile.

What Determines a ‘Turquino’ or ‘Extra Turquino’ Classification?

The Turquino grade, including the higher “Extra” distinction, is based on a set of quality criteria determined by Cuban coffee authorities. While the exact specifications aren’t publicly detailed in the same way as Specialty Coffee Association metrics, the grade implies careful selection, processing, and a certain standard of bean quality. It’s understood to represent some of the best-produced coffee within the country’s limited exportable output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turquino a place in Cuba where coffee is grown?

No, Turquino is not a place. It is a grade or classification of Cuban coffee, signifying a certain quality level—similar to how Blue Mountain denotes a quality tier in Jamaican coffee, not just a location. The name may evoke Cuba’s Turquino mountain, but the classification itself is about the beans, not the geography.

How is Turquino coffee different from other Cuban coffees?

Turquino and Extra Turquino designate the highest grades of Cuban coffee. These beans are selected for better size, uniformity, and cup quality. Compared to lower-grade Cuban coffees, Turquino beans tend to have a cleaner, more balanced flavor with moderate body and lower acidity due to lower growing altitudes.

What does Cuban coffee taste like compared to Blue Mountain?

Both Cuban Turquino and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffees are known for mild profiles and lower acidity. They emphasize balance, smooth body, and subtle sweetness over bright fruitiness. Cuban Turquino is similarly gentle and approachable, though it is less internationally prominent and usually grown at slightly lower altitudes.

Why isn’t Cuban coffee easier to find outside Cuba?

Cuban coffee faces significant trade restrictions due to longstanding political and economic factors. These limitations have greatly reduced its global export volume, despite suitable growing conditions and historical production capabilities. As a result, it’s rare to find authentic Cuban coffee grades like Turquino outside of specialized or import channels.

Is Extra Turquino a higher grade than Turquino?

Yes, Extra Turquino is considered a higher or more premium subclass within the Turquino grade. It implies an even stricter selection of beans, likely with better uniformity, size, and cup characteristics—but both grades represent the top tier of Cuban-produced coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cuban Coffee Fans

If you’re curious about mild, low-acidity coffees reminiscent of Cuban Turquino, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for balanced floral and citrus tones, or their Brazil Queen Manor for a smooth, nutty base with soft chocolate notes. Both offer clean, approachable cups that share Turquino’s easy-drinking qualities. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.