Specialty coffee has historically been defined by Arabica while Excelsa remains one of the rarest coffee species in commercial production, accounting for less than 1% of global output. Blue Bottle’s new releases highlight the potential of species diversity (Excelsa, Robusta) for flavour innovation, producer value, and industry resilience amid shifting environmental and economic conditions.

The limited-edition Excelsa offering gives roasters and coffee media a timely hook into a category still largely unfamiliar to most US drinkers. The Quang Tri 96B lot spotlights Excelsa in its purest form as a single-origin natural, while Beyond Arabica offers a more accessible entry point by pairing it with Robusta in blend format.

Beyond Arabica (USD $32) is a blend crafted entirely without Arabica, pairing Excelsa from South India Coffee Company (fruity sweetness) with Robusta from Great Cherry in Vietnam (full body, bittersweet depth). Tasting notes: sweet tobacco, sarsaparilla, dark rum. It is available as whole bean and espresso/cappuccino in cafés and online.

Exceedingly Rare Vietnam Quang Tri 96B Excelsa Natural ($45) is a rare single-origin Excelsa from producer 96B in Vietnam’s Quang Tri region, undergoing 120-hour anaerobic fermentation and a 30-day slow-drying process. Tasting notes: lychee, papaya, stevia. It is served as pour-over at select cafés for four weeks, with highly limited whole bean online only.

For more information, visit bluebottlecoffee.com.