Introduction to Ninety Plus 90+ Coffee Bean Grading System - How Much Does a 90+ Coffee Cost at Coffee Shops

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90+ Coffee Bean LEVEL Grading System

The grading of general coffee beans varies according to the regulations of different countries. For example, commonly heard terms like Kenya AA, AB, SHB, 18 mesh, G2, etc., represent various different grading methods.

The purpose of grading is to distinguish premium products from secondary ones. However, many grading criteria are not necessarily positively correlated with flavor. Therefore, even high-grade beans may not necessarily taste better, but at least it serves as reference data. For beginners, it's recommended to consider grading while thinking critically, but not to be superstitious about grade levels.

In addition to its own flavor symbols, each 90+ bean also has its own grading method, which is completely different from other countries' grading systems. It is divided into the following seven levels:

L4, L7, L12, L21, L39, L95, L195

L stands for Level. The classification basis is based on production quantity, processing refinement, difficulty, and screening strictness.

Higher numbers represent smaller production quantities, more refined processing, greater complexity and difficulty, and stricter screening. However, 90+ has not published detailed grading content, so it's actually similar to flavor symbols—just reference data. But we still need to generally understand its underlying meaning, which can be simply divided into four grade ranges:

L4 Range

This grading is no longer seen in 90+ products today. In the past, it referred to mixed harvest batches. When the flavor of single-origin regions wasn't rich enough or production quantities were too small, multiple excellent producing regions were mixed and processed for production. It was somewhat like the previous Aricha and Beloya. However, as 90+ has matured its experimental control techniques for coffee production in recent years, this grading method is no longer used.

L7, L12 Range

Most Ethiopian beans are in this grade range, and their flavors are already excellent— impeccable in both aroma and texture. This grade of 90+ can be considered entry-level but offers excellent value for money.

For example: Tchembe and Kemgin are L7, while Nekisse and Hachira are L12.

L21, L39 Range

This range is almost entirely dominated by Geisha coffee from the NPGE estate. As one can imagine, for 90+, the Geisha variety itself represents high-grade indication, so the lowest grade in this range is L21. This can also be extended to thinking that Geisha cultivation might be more challenging, and the processing rigor is higher than for Ethiopian beans.

Additionally, specially processed Ethiopian beans can also be upgraded to this range, becoming comparable to Geisha.

For example: Lycello is L21, Juliette and Perci are L39—these three are all Geisha from the NPGE estate. Nekisse Red (Red-processed Ethiopian Nekisse) is upgraded to L39.

L95, L195 Range

These two grades require 90+ special processing methods to reach their pinnacle, such as Red processing, Ruby processing, and SK (Solkiln processing), which can be considered endorsements of 90+ exclusive processing methods. However, to reach the highest L195 grade, it must be Geisha.

For example: Lotus (SK processing), Sillvia (SK processing), Semeon Abay (this is from the Master Series), and Nekisse Ruby (Ruby-processed Ethiopian beans) are all L95, while Perci Ruby is currently the only L195 (Ruby processing + Geisha variety).

In summary: good bloodline means high initial score, poor bloodline means low initial score, but after 90+ skillful processing, they can also be upgraded and transformed into superior products.

But higher grades represent higher prices—does this necessarily mean better taste? Actually, not necessarily.

After all, no matter how good or rare green beans are, they cannot be eaten raw. They still need to be combined with a roaster's interpretation of the beans to create good coffee. Therefore, use this as reference only—trusting your own palate is the ultimate way.

90+ Coffee Bean Brand Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee's roasted 90+ coffee bean "Zhu Mang" offers full guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, it provides excellent value for money. A half-pound (227 grams) package costs only about 90 yuan. Calculating at 15 grams per cup, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing only about 6 yuan. Compared to coffee shops selling cups for over 100 yuan each, this is truly a conscientious recommendation.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473