Fine Robusta at the Philippine Coffee Expo
MANILA — Award-winning, single origin, bright and fruity… are words that aren’t exclusive to Arabica beans, especially when we’re talking about Fine Robusta.
Usually grown in flat, expansive lowlands, Robusta is known for its rich, earthy, intense flavors. Nurtured and harvested in higher elevations, Arabica yields fruity flavors and lower quantities, fetching higher prices and prestige.
But what about robusta that grows on higher ground, say, 960 MASL (meters above sea level) in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat? Winey, citrusy, with notes of dark chocolate and the essence of berries, it scales to a cupping score of 86.45.
This is Reyjohn Basco’s award-winning beans— voted Top 1 Robusta at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2024 — and it’s part of the revolution that’s taking the
Philippine coffee industry by storm.
According to the young, talented coffee grower, beans qualify as Fine Robusta upon achieving a cupping score of at least 80, after green grading and roasting evaluation. He cites proper farm arrangement and post-harvest processing as key to getting these results.
So what does Fine Robusta taste like?
“Expect less bitterness, more on fruity flavors, high acidity,” shares Basco.
These are notes he definitely picked up on as a judge at the Fine Robusta manual brewing competition hosted by Curve Coffee Collaborators at the recently held Manila Coffee Festival.
With its network of farms and cafes—both partners and company-owned—across the country, Curve Coffee Collaborators is committed to discovering, nurturing, and
showcasing top Philippine coffees. Their message: Love Your Origin.
As the first ever Filipina with the distinction of being certified as a Q Arabica and Robusta Grader, Curve Coffee Collaborators founder and CEO, Cherry Cruz, knows her coffee.
“Given the current world prices of coffee and because of climate change, Robusta is going to be the future,” she says.
Curve Coffee Collaborators will be at the Philippine Coffee Expo from May 9 to 11 at One Ayala, Makati City.
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