“What are the 4 types of coffee?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a daily drinker, knowing the basics of coffee can help you enjoy your cup even more. Coffee isn’t just a beverage. It’s a world of flavors, traditions, and types. In this article, we’ll explore the four main types of coffee beans that form the foundation of every brew: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Understanding the Coffee Bean Types
Each coffee type brings its own taste, aroma, and body. Here’s what makes them different.
Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica)
Arabica is the most popular type of coffee in the world. It makes up about 60-70% of global coffee production.
Key features of Arabica:
Grows best in high altitudes with mild temperatures
Smooth, sweet flavour with notes of chocolate, fruits, or nuts
Lower caffeine content than Robusta
More expensive due to delicate growing conditions
Arabica beans are commonly used in specialty coffee and are known for their balanced taste.
Popular regions producing Arabica:
Brazil
Colombia
Ethiopia
Costa Rica
Robusta Coffee (Coffea Canephora)
Robusta is the second most popular coffee type, known for its strong and bitter flavour.
Key features of Robusta:
Higher caffeine content than Arabica
Grows in lower altitudes and hotter climates
Strong, earthy taste with a hint of bitterness
Cheaper and more resilient plant
Robusta is often used in instant coffee and espresso blends due to its bold taste and crema-producing qualities.
Top Robusta producers:
Vietnam
Indonesia
India
Uganda
Liberica Coffee (Coffea Liberica)
Liberica is a rarer type of coffee with a very distinct flavour profile.
Key features of Liberica:
Grows in hot, humid climates with irregular rainfall
Large beans with irregular shapes
Smoky, woody taste with floral notes
Low yield, high uniqueness
Liberica is popular in parts of Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines and Malaysia.
Excelsa Coffee (Coffea Excelsa)
Excelsa used to be considered a separate species but is now classified under Liberica.
Key features of Excelsa:
Tart and fruity flavours with a hint of dark roast
Often used to add complexity to blends
Grows in Southeast Asia
Distinctive and bold aftertaste
Excelsa is not commonly available in all markets, but it’s gaining attention among coffee lovers for its unique flavour punch.
Comparing the 4 Types of Coffee Beans
| Type | Flavour Profile | Caffeine Level | Growing Region |
| Arabica | Sweet, smooth, fruity | Low | Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia |
| Robusta | Strong, bitter, earthy | High | Vietnam, Indonesia, India |
| Liberica | Woody, smoky, floral | Medium | Philippines, Malaysia |
| Excelsa | Tart, dark, fruity | Medium | Southeast Asia |
How to Choose the Right Coffee Type for You
Your choice depends on your taste preferences and how you plan to brew your coffee.
If you like:
A smooth cup with sweet tones → go for Arabica
A strong caffeine kick with bold flavour → pick Robusta
A unique and floral taste → try Liberica
A fruity complexity in your cup → explore Excelsa
Most commercial blends contain a mix of Arabica and Robusta for balance and cost-effectiveness.
FAQs About Coffee Types
Which type of coffee has the most caffeine?
Robusta has the highest caffeine content—almost twice as much as Arabica.
Is Arabica better than Robusta?
Arabica is smoother and often preferred for its taste, but Robusta is stronger and more affordable.
Why is Liberica coffee hard to find?
Liberica has a small global production and grows in specific climates, making it rare and pricier.
Can I mix different coffee types?
Yes. Many roasters blend beans to balance flavour, aroma, and strength.
What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee usually uses high-quality Arabica beans and is scored based on flavour, aroma, and other quality markers.
Coffee Types Based on Brewing Method
Aside from bean types, how you brew your coffee also changes the experience. Let’s take a quick look:
Espresso
Made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. Typically uses Arabica or a mix with Robusta for stronger crema.
Drip Coffee
Uses ground coffee and a paper filter. Popular in the US. Often made with 100% Arabica.
French Press
A full-immersion method. Coarse grounds steeped in hot water. Works well with bold beans like Robusta or blends.
Cold Brew
Steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours. Tastes less acidic. Arabica beans are preferred for smoothness.
Conclusion
So, what are the 4 types of coffee? They are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each type brings a different taste, smell, and caffeine level. Whether you like it smooth, strong, floral, or fruity, there’s a perfect bean for you. Try different ones to find your favourite. Enjoy your next cup with a little more knowledge and a lot more flavour.
