Joanna Marie O. Santos
May 04, 2023

Coffee has been a part of Philippine culture for generations, and let me tell you, the Philippines is one of the world's top coffee growers. The Philippines' unique temperature and landscape provide ideal conditions for growing high-quality coffee beans, which are famous for their rich flavor and aroma.

 

In this article, we will examine some of the best local coffee beans and mixes available in the Philippines. We'll look at the various places where you can buy these beans and the different characteristics of each kind. 

 

If you are a coffee connoisseur or simply want to know more about the Philippines' rich and diverse coffee culture, you are in the right place. So sit back, relax, and allow us to guide you through the world of Philippine coffee.

 

 

Types of Coffee Beans in the Philippines

 

The coffee industry in the Philippines is currently flourishing, with an increasing demand for sustainably sourced, high-quality beans. In this part of the article, we will delve into the various types of coffee beans that can be found in the Philippines.

 

 

Arabica Beans

 

They cultivate arabica beans in high-altitude regions and are renowned for their superior quality. They dominate the global coffee market, accounting for 70% of all coffee consumed. Arabica is a popular choice of specialty drinks due to its delicate flavor, with a subtle hint of sweetness and acidity. It's no surprise that many Filipinos adore this type of coffee. 

 

The Cordillera Mountains, specifically Benguet and Sagada, are the primary growing regions for Arabica beans.

 

 

Robusta Coffee

 

Robusta coffee is cultivated in the lowlands of various countries and is renowned for its robust and bold flavor, which is characterized by a distinct bitterness. Although Arabica beans make up 70% of the coffee consumed worldwide, Robusta beans account for 25% of the coffee market. 

 

Robusta beans are commonly used in the production of instant coffee and espresso blends due to their affordability when compared to Arabica beans.

 

 

Excelsa Coffee

 

Excelsa is a special kind of coffee bean grown in the Philippines' southern regions. These beans are famous for their distinct fruity flavor and powerful aroma, which set them apart from other coffee beans. Excelsa's flavor is frequently described as a delicious blend of acidity and sweetness, making it a good choice for blending with Arabica or Robusta.

 

The bean's growing conditions are determined by the region's climate and soil. Excelsa flourishes in the southern parts of the Philippines, resulting in a coffee bean that is highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs worldwide.

 

 

Liberica Coffee

 

Liberica beans are a rare and special form of coffee that is only developed in the Philippines. The flavor of these beans is uniquely smokey and woody, with shades of flowery and fruity flavors. Liberica bean farming is mainly found in Batangas, Cavite, and Quezon. 

 

The Liberica plant is a hardy species that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal crop for the Philippines' tropical climate. 

 

 

Best Local Coffee Blends

 

If you enjoy coffee, you'll be thrilled to find out that the Philippines produces some of the world's best coffee blends. The country's various regions produce unique and aromatic coffee beans that are sought after by coffee connoisseurs worldwide, from the mountains of Benguet to the volcanic soils of Batangas.

 

We've compiled a list of the best coffee blends from the Philippines to help you navigate the local coffee landscape. These blends are made with premium beans sourced from local farmers and roasted to perfection to bring out their unique flavors and fragrances.

 

 

Batangas Barako

 

Barako is a Tagalog term that means both "wild boar" and "manly," which reflects the powerful and rough flavor it is known for. It is a full-bodied medium to dark roast coffee with a slightly acidic and caramel-like flavor profile. To extract the most flavor and aroma from the coffee beans, they are commonly brewed using a drip, pour-over, or French press method.

 

In the Philippines, Batangas Barako is a highly appreciated and recognized coffee. It is made from Liberica beans grown in Batangas and is considered being one of the best coffee blends in the Philippines. It has also become a cultural symbol of Batangas province, and its distinct flavor and scent have won it supporters across the country. Its remarkable taste and quality have also contributed to a rise in local tourism, with many coffee lovers coming to Batangas to try it.

 

 

Benguet Blend

 

Benguet Blend is a one-of-a-kind blend of quality Arabica coffee beans gained from the northern Philippine province of Benguet. Benguet Province is well-known for its high-altitude coffee estates, which allow for slow and consistent coffee bean growth, resulting in a great cup of coffee.

 

The region's unique microclimate, as well as traditional farming practices and natural resources, influences Benguet Blend's peculiar flavor. Farmers use the "wet method" of processing coffee, which involves washing, fermenting, and sun-drying the beans, resulting in a clean and consistent flavor profile. The beans are then sorted and roasted to perfection, yielding a rich and fragrant coffee that embodies the region.

 

 

Sagada Blend

 

Sagada Blend is a blend of coffee from the Philippines' Mountain Province. It originates from Arabica beans grown in Sagada's mountains, a beautiful town famed for its rice terraces, caves, and hanging coffins. Because of its particular flavor and scent, coffee is popular among both residents and tourists.

 

Sagada Blend's distinct flavor profile distinguishes it from other coffee blends. Its flavors are defined by fruity and nutty overtones, as well as traces of chocolate and caramel. Sagada Blend's aroma is also something to look forward to, as it has a gentle floral scent with a touch of citrus. This coffee blend is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who like a complex and well-balanced cup of coffee, whether consumed black or with milk.

 

 

Mount Kitanglad Blend

 

This blend is well-known for its well-balanced flavor, which is earthy with a sense of berry and chocolate. The coffee's aroma is equally appealing, with a woody scent that is both pleasant and cozy.

 

Mount Kitanglad Blend coffee beans are farmed using traditional methods, including shade-grown farming and manual harvesting. Farmers work in sync with nature, ensuring that coffee crops do not impact the surrounding ecosystem. The beans are then methodically sorted and roasted to perfection, resulting in a coffee that has received international recognition. 

 

 

Kalinga Blend

 

Kalinga Blend is a coffee that is planted and produced in the Philippines' Kalinga province. It is a combination of various coffee kinds—Robusta and Arabica, and is noted for its distinct flavor and aroma. They grow the coffee beans in the high-altitude mountains of Kalinga, which provide the best growing conditions.

 

Kalinga Blend is not only delicious, but it is also high in antioxidants and other elements that are good for your health. Overall, Kalinga Blend is a must-try for coffee fans who wish to taste and experience the Philippines' distinct coffee culture.

 

 

Where to Buy Local Coffee Beans in the Philippines

 

If you're looking to savor the unique flavors of Philippine coffee beans, we've compiled a list of top-notch retailers where you can purchase them. These vendors offer a wide range of options to suit your taste buds and preferences.

 

 

Kalsada Coffee

 

Kalsada Coffee is a premium coffee brand that prides itself on sourcing only the highest-quality Arabica beans directly from Filipino coffee farmers. To ensure maximum freshness, these beans are roasted in small batches. With a wide variety of coffee blends and single-origin beans available, Kalsada Coffee is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who appreciate the finer things in life. 

 

They help farmers meet their precise demands by providing the tools, equipment, and training required to take their coffee from good to great. And with nationwide shipping, it's never been easier to enjoy the rich, complex flavors of Kalsada Coffee from the comfort of your own home. 

 

 

SGD Coffee

 

SGD Coffee is a leading specialty coffee shop featuring a broad selection of locally produced coffee beans, as well as top-of-the-line brewing equipment and accessories. They meticulously picked the beans from various places throughout the Philippines and roasted in-house to perfection.

 

SGD Coffee takes pleasure in their mission to give their customers the highest-quality coffee experience possible. The expertly roasted beans have been carefully planned to bring out the distinct flavors and fragrances of all of them, ensuring a truly authentic and delicious cup of coffee every time.

 

 

Philippine Coffee Company

 

The Philippine Coffee Company is a socially responsible firm that cultivates premium Arabica beans in collaboration with small-scale coffee growers in the Philippines. They offer a wide variety of coffee blends and single-origin beans, as well as a subscription option for regular coffee delivery.

 

The Philippine Coffee Company is able to support sustainable agriculture techniques and promote economic growth in rural communities by cooperating with local farmers. They showed their dedication to excellence in the exquisite flavor of their coffee, which is expertly roasted to perfection.

 

 

Figaro Coffee

 

Figaro Coffee is another well-known coffee shop brand in the Philippines, offering a wide range of local coffee blends and single-origin beans. They get their beans from different parts of the Philippines and roast them in small batches to assure quality and freshness. They are able to exhibit the unique flavors and features of each region's coffee by sourcing their beans from several places in the Philippines. 

 

Look no further than Figaro Coffee for a delicious cup of coffee that supports local communities and promotes sustainability.

 

Finally, the Philippines produces some of the world's best coffee beans and blends. There is a coffee for every palate, from the rich and robust flavors of the Batangas Barako to the smooth and creamy taste of the Benguet Arabica.

 

It is important to remember that the place where the coffee beans are cultivated, the altitude, and the climate all have a significant impact on their quality. As a result, sourcing coffee beans from recognized local farmers who take pride in their work is essential.

 

Also, let us appreciate their efforts in growing the best coffee beans in the world.