1 0

    Excelso / Colombia

    £10.00
    £10.00
    £10.00
    Shipping calculated at checkout.

    Tantalising tastes of apple, caramel and chocolate weave a bubbling blanket of sweet dreams. Certified cosiness.

    Roast / Medium

    Taste / Green Apple, Caramel, Milk Chocolate

    Variety / Caturra, Typica, Bourbon

    Process / Washed

    Altitude / 1200-2000 MASL

    Quality Score / 82.0

    Size
    Grind
    Our promise

    We pride ourselves on exceptional service and top-quality coffee. Not completely satisfied? We'll do everything to make it right.
    Roast Days & Delivery

    We roast to order and ship out the very next day. We use EVRi's 48hr tracked delivery service to get your freshly roasted coffee to your door.
    Grind types explained

    Wholebean: Wholebean coffee allows you to grind your own coffee right before brewing, to keep the freshness. Some coffee machines have a grinder built-in, or you can buy one separately.

    Cafetiere: French Press or Cafetiere coffee uses a coarse grind. Grounds are separated from the coffee and there is no filter involved, so the oils from the coffee remain.

    Filter: Filter coffee grind is medium, like sea salt, and is made by pushing high-pressure water through fine coffee grounds, where the brew drips through a filter.

    Aeropress: Aeropress coffee uses a fine grind, and creates a single serving of coffee that drips through a filter to separate the coffee from the grounds.

    Espresso: Espresso coffee uses a fine, powdery grind. It has a lower ground to water ratio, and is usually thicker and more intense.
    100% Recyclable

    We care for coffee drinkers and the planet, too. You can recycle Wilby’s packaging - or even make it into a nice hat. We’re not judging.
    "The coffee that started it all"

    Chris - Wilby's Founder

    About

    Colombia - the home of great coffee. Where stories are written, shared and drunk in. A tale of tantalising tastes and romantic etchings shared deep from the heart of the land. Imagine telling stories so sweet, you feel the aftermath of sugar on your tongue with every mouthful. Chronicles of Colombia, chapter by chapter. Must-read.

    Our Colombian roast writes sweet love notes, one sip at a time. Smooth, full-bodied and no bitter attachment. Two protagonists, cocoa and caramel, are lured in by green apple - soft and velvety rich with ultra-sweetness. Irresistible. It’s love. The end… Or is it?

    Tasting Notes

    Washed Process

    Washed processed coffee, also known as wet-processed coffee, involves removing the cherry's outer fruit before drying. This method begins with depulping the cherries to separate the beans from the fruit. The beans are then fermented in water to remove any remaining mucilage, followed by a thorough washing. Finally, the beans are dried on raised beds or patios until they reach the desired moisture content.

    The washed process highlights the intrinsic qualities of the coffee beans, producing a clean, bright flavour profile. It enhances the coffee's acidity and allows the distinct regional characteristics to shine. Common tasting notes include citrus, floral, and crisp, refreshing acidity. Washed processed coffee typically has a lighter body compared to natural processed coffee, offering a smooth and balanced cup that's highly prized by coffee connoisseurs. This method is ideal for those who appreciate clarity and purity in their coffee.

    Brewing Recommendations

    If you want to say “Woah, that’s a really good cuppa” then we suggest using your V60. Using a V60 to brew allows for precise control over water temperature and flow rate, which enhances the clarity and complexity of the coffee's flavours. This brewing technique brings out the bright acidity of green apple, followed by the sweetness of caramel, and finishes with the creamy milk chocolate undertones. The result is a clean, balanced cup that highlights the exceptional qualities of Excelso / Colombia, offering a delightful journey of flavours with every sip.

    Coffee Care

    Because our coffee is super fresh, we suggest you keep the packaging tightly closed or store it in an airtight container. Keep the coffee at room temperature (away from moisture) and consume within 1-2 weeks. If it even lasts that long around you, you lovely coffee guzzler.

    Sourcing & Transparency

    • Importer

      Mondo

    • Relationship

      1 year

    • Cost

      £9.70 per kg

    • Cup Score

      82.0

    About the Producers

    • Huila Farmers

    Excelso is celebrated as the only coffee globally supplied in consistent volumes year-round. In the cup, it offers a reliably unique combination of body and acidity. Though the term Excelso has evolved over time, one thing remains unchanged: only the finest Colombian coffees are labeled as Excelso.

    Huila, one of Colombia's premier coffee-growing regions, is situated in the southwest of the country. This department, home to 1.125 million people, has Neiva as its capital, with a population of about 380,000. Huila, along with Cauca and Nariño, is part of the Colombian Massif, or Nudo de Almaguer, which provides up to 70% of Colombia's clean drinking and agricultural water.

    The Magdalena River, Colombia's largest river, flows through Huila, offering abundant water for coffee cultivation. The region's fertile volcanic soil, typical of the Andean Mountains, further enhances the quality of Huila's coffee. These natural resources significantly contribute to Colombia's economy, both directly and indirectly.

    Customer Reviews

    Recipes

    Espresso

    Recipe:

    • Beans: 18 grams
    • Grind Size: Fine
    • Water Temperature: 93°C (200°F)
    • Yield: 36 grams (1:2 ratio)
    • Brew Time: 25-30 seconds

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter.
    2. Grind 18 grams of your house blend to a fine consistency.
    3. Distribute and tamp the grounds evenly in the portafilter.
    4. Brew with water at 93°C (200°F), aiming for a yield of 36 grams in 25-30 seconds.
    5. Enjoy your espresso straight or as a base for milk-based drinks.

    French Press

    Recipe:

    • Beans: 30 grams
    • Grind Size: Coarse
    • Water Temperature: 93°C (200°F)
    • Water Amount: 500 ml
    • Brew Time: 4 minutes

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your French press with hot water.
    2. Grind 30 grams of your house blend to a coarse consistency.
    3. Discard the preheating water and add the coffee grounds to the French press.
    4. Pour 500 ml of water at 93°C (200°F) over the grounds.
    5. Stir gently and cover with the plunger (do not press yet).
    6. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
    7. Slowly press the plunger down.
    8. Pour immediately and enjoy your rich, full-bodied coffee.

    V60

    Recipe:

    • Beans: 20 grams
    • Grind Size: Medium-fine
    • Water Temperature: 96°C (205°F)
    • Water Amount: 320 ml
    • Brew Time: 2:30-3:00 minutes

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your V60 dripper and filter with hot water.
    2. Grind 20 grams of your house blend to a medium-fine consistency.
    3. Place the grounds in the pre-wet filter.
    4. Pour 40 ml of water at 96°C (205°F) to bloom the coffee, letting it sit for 30 seconds.
    5. Continue pouring in slow, concentric circles until you reach a total of 320 ml of water.
    6. Aim for a total brew time of 2:30-3:00 minutes.
    7. Enjoy

    Aeropress

    Recipe:

    • Beans: 17 grams
    • Grind Size: Medium
    • Water Temperature: 80°C (175°F)
    • Water Amount: 240ml
    • Brew Time: 2 minutes (inverted method)

    Instructions:

    1. Assemble your Aeropress in the inverted position.
    2. Grind 17 grams of your house blend to a medium consistency.
    3. Add the grounds to the Aeropress.
    4. Pour 240 ml of water at 80°C (175°F) over the grounds.
    5. Stir gently for 10 seconds.
    6. Attach the filter cap and let it steep for 1:30 minutes.
    7. Carefully flip the Aeropress over your cup and press gently for 30 seconds.
    8. Enjoy

    Cold Brew

    Recipe:

    • Beans: 100 grams
    • Grind Size: Coarse
    • Water Temperature: Room temperature
    • Water Amount: 1 litre
    • Brew Time: 12-24 hours

    Instructions:

    1. Grind 100 grams of your house blend to a coarse consistency. A coarser grind helps prevent over-extraction during the long brewing time.
    2. Place the ground coffee into a large jar or a cold brew coffee maker.
    3. Pour 1 litre of room temperature water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated.
    4. Stir the mixture gently to ensure even saturation of the coffee grounds.
    5. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap to protect it from external odours and debris.
    6. Let the mixture steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 12-24 hours. The longer the steep time, the stronger the brew.
    7. After brewing, filter the coffee using a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or a cold brew coffee maker filter to remove the grounds.
    8. Dilute the cold brew concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength, typically a 1:1 ratio. Serve over ice and enjoy your smooth, refreshing cold brew.

    Our Green Values

    • Packaging

      Each bag is lovingly wrapped in 100% recyclable packaging, using FSC Certified cardboard boxes.

    • Delivery

      Carbon-neutral shipping with each order funding revolutionary carbon removal projects designed to future-proof the planet.

    • Buy 1, Plant 2

      Because we're committed to the future of the planet, we plant a tree with every order to aid global reforestation.

    FAQs

    Should I let my coffee rest?

    The optimal resting time for freshly roasted specialty coffee can vary depending on the brewing method. Here's a breakdown for filter and espresso:

    Filter Coffee

    • Light Roasts: 10-14 days
    • Medium Roasts: 5-10 days
    • Dark Roasts: 1-5 days

    For filter coffee, which includes methods like drip, pour-over, and French press, the flavors tend to be more delicate and nuanced. Allowing a bit more time for resting helps these subtleties to develop fully.

    Espresso

    • Light Roasts: 14-21 days
    • Medium Roasts: 7-10 days
    • Dark Roasts: 1-5 days

    Espresso brewing, due to its high pressure and short extraction time, can be more sensitive to CO2 levels. A longer rest period ensures the CO2 has adequately degassed, leading to a more stable crema and balanced shot.

    Summary

    • Filter Coffee: Generally requires a shorter rest period, focusing on bringing out the lighter, more nuanced flavours.
    • Espresso: Benefits from a longer rest period to ensure proper degassing and to enhance crema and balance.

    Remember, these are guidelines and personal taste preferences play a significant role. Experiment within these ranges to find the perfect rest time for your coffee.
    What's the best way to store my coffee?
    • Sealed and Ambient: Always keep your coffee sealed in an airtight container and store it in an ambient environment to preserve its freshness.
    • Avoid Refrigeration: While lower temperatures can help prolong the life of coffee, do not store your coffee in the fridge. The moisture in the refrigerator accelerates the oxidation process, which diminishes the coffee's flavour.
    How long does my coffee stay fresh for?

    Freshly roasted specialty coffee retains its peak flavor and aroma for a limited time after roasting. When you receive your coffee, check the roasting date printed on the bag - it's your freshness indicator. To savour Wilby's at its best, consider these handy guidelines:

    Whole Bean Coffee:

    • Optimal Freshness: Whole bean coffee is generally at its freshest within the first 2 to 4 weeks after roasting.
    • Use By: It is recommended to consume whole bean coffee within 2 to 3 months of the roast date for the best flavour.

    Ground Coffee:

    • Optimal Freshness: Ground coffee starts to lose freshness more quickly due to increased surface area exposure to air.
    • Use By: Ground coffee is best consumed within 1 to 2 weeks of the roast date to enjoy the fullest flavour profile.

    Storage Considerations:

    • Airtight Container: Store coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.
    • Avoid Refrigeration: While refrigeration might seem like a good idea, it can introduce moisture and lead to condensation on the beans, which accelerates staling.
    What is a quality score?

    A coffee cupping quality score is a standardised method to evaluate the attributes of a coffee sample. During a cupping session, various aspects such as aroma, flavour, acidity, body, and aftertaste are assessed and scored on a scale, typically from 0 to 100. This score helps determine the overall quality of the coffee, with higher scores indicating superior quality. Cupping scores are essential for identifying the best beans, guiding purchasing decisions, and providing valuable feedback to coffee producers.
    Do you add flavours to my coffee?

    You'll notice that each of our coffees boasts its own unique tasting notes, and here's the best part - there are absolutely no added flavours or additives in our coffee. It's pure 100% Arabica beans.

    When we talk about flavours, we're describing the delightful tastes we discern during our cupping sessions. These can range from hints of chocolate and orange to even notes reminiscent of sherbet! These flavours arise naturally from how the coffee is grown and processed.
    Where do you source your green coffee beans?

    We work with Green Coffee Collective who specialise in working with trusted partners who deliver quality.

    Guides

    View all