Excelsa, botanically Liberica var. dewevrei, is a distinct subspecies within the Liberica group and is predominantly cultivated in Southeast Asia. Despite its limited global distribution, Excelsa possesses remarkable genetic diversity and plays an important agronomic role in several countries, particularly Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The plants are robust, heat- and drought-tolerant, and thrive in both lowland areas and shaded agroforestry systems.

Unlike Arabica and Robusta, there are hardly any officially named cultivars of Excelsa. Instead, the diversity of varieties is mainly based on regional lines that have adapted to local environmental conditions over decades. Among the most common are the Excelsa lines from Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and the Philippines , as well as regional specialty lines such as Binh Duong or Dak Lak from Vietnam. These varieties differ in yield, growth habit, and aroma, but together they form the basis of modern Excelsa cultivation.

In terms of flavor, Excelsa is exceptionally versatile and stands out clearly from other coffee varieties. The cup profiles are often fruity, sweet and acidic, and complex, with notes reminiscent of tamarind, dark berries, spices, or sometimes even subtle fermentation elements. At the same time, Excelsa possesses a depth and intensity characteristic of its Liberica heritage. This combination of freshness, sweetness, and spicy richness makes it increasingly interesting in the specialty coffee market.

Today, Excelsa stands for a diversity of aromas, adaptability and exotic character – adding a rare, often underestimated facet to the coffee spectrum that particularly delights curious coffee drinkers.