Cup of Excellence Specialty Coffees

Availability
Our Cup of Excellence specialty coffees will be available starting in July. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our website and socials for updates and release dates!

What is the Cup of Excellence?
The Cup of Excellence (COE) is an esteemed international competition and auction that recognizes the highest quality coffees produced each year. Established in 1999, the COE aims to discover and promote exceptional coffees while providing farmers with the opportunity to receive premium prices for their outstanding products.

The COE Process

  1. Selection: Coffees submitted to the COE competition undergo a rigorous selection process. Each coffee is evaluated through multiple stages of blind tasting by a panel of national and international judges.
  2. Scoring: The coffees are scored based on several criteria, including aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, cleanliness, and overall impression. Only coffees that score above 86 points on a 100-point scale are considered for the COE award.
  3. Auction: The top-scoring coffees are awarded the Cup of Excellence and are then sold at a premium through an online auction. This auction provides global exposure and significant financial rewards to the winning farmers.

Characteristics of COE Coffees

Specialty coffees that earn the COE designation are known for their outstanding quality and unique attributes. Some common characteristics include:

  • Exceptional Flavor: COE coffees often exhibit complex and distinctive flavor profiles that set them apart from other specialty coffees. You may find notes of tropical fruit, berries, citrus, floral, chocolate, and more.
  • High Acidity and Balance: These coffees are typically well-balanced with a bright and lively acidity, contributing to a clean and refreshing cup.
  • Superior Cleanliness: COE coffees are known for their purity and lack of defects, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

Benefits of COE Coffees

  • Quality Assurance: The rigorous selection and evaluation process ensures that COE coffees are of the highest quality, providing consumers with a guarantee of excellence.
  • Unique Flavors: The diverse range of flavor profiles found in COE coffees offers coffee enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and enjoy unique and memorable taste experiences.
  • Support for Farmers: Purchasing COE coffees directly supports farmers, rewarding them for their dedication to producing top-tier coffee and encouraging sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Why Choose Cup of Excellence Coffees?

  • Exclusivity: COE coffees are limited in quantity and represent the pinnacle of coffee quality. Owning and enjoying COE coffee is a testament to a refined palate and appreciation for the best the coffee world has to offer.
  • Traceability: Each COE coffee comes with detailed information about its origin, farm, and processing methods, allowing consumers to trace their coffee back to its source and learn about the farmer’s story.
  • Impact: By choosing COE coffees, consumers contribute to the economic well-being of small-scale farmers and support the continued production of exceptional coffee.