Is There a Standard for Coffee Bean Grading? A Simple Guide to Colombian Coffee Bean Classification Standards

FrontStreet Coffee: Introduction to the Colombian Coffee Grading System

We grade coffee to separate high-quality beans from low-quality ones. Grading is typically based on defect count, bean size, altitude, green bean density, processing standards, and other factors — so it usually amounts to a comprehensive evaluation across several criteria.

In practice, each country grades differently, shaped by history, trade interests, climate, terrain, and more. There is no universal standard, no single defect-counting method, and altitude alone cannot determine quality. Nor can you fairly compare one country's grade against another's — that is neither correct nor objective.

Grading by Bean Size

Colombia's grades and standards: Supremo — 95% above 17 mesh; Supremo screen 18+ — 95% above 18 mesh; Excelso Extra — 95% above 16 mesh; Excelso EP — 14-16 mesh; U.G.Q. — above 14 mesh.

What Colombian Green Bean Names Mean:

Example: Colombia Huila Supremo SC17/18 FNC

The formula: Country + Region + Grade Name + Other.

FNC stands for Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia — the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation.

Knowledge Point:

Colombia's Augustine (San Agustín) production zone lies in the southern part of Huila. The varieties there are mainly Arabica Typica, grown under shade, generally hand-picked, and mostly finished as naturally (sun) dried coffee. Espresso machines and moka pots are excellent choices for brewing Colombian coffee.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Understanding grades is one thing; tasting what a top lot actually offers is another. Colombian coffee is exceptionally versatile — at home in espresso blends and pour-over single origins alike, spanning bright fruity styles, full-bodied styles, and aromatic ones, which is why it suits nearly every palate. For the classic expression, FrontStreet Coffee's washed Huila, roasted medium-dark, highlights dark chocolate and nutty sweetness with moderate crema and a full body — great as pour-over or French press, and just as good in a moka pot or espresso machine for Americanos and lattes.

To see what Colombia's new wave can do, try the FrontStreet Coffee Finca La Frontera (Frontier Estate) Chiroso, processed as an anaerobic natural. The coffee ferments in a sealed, pressure-rated stainless tank with oxygen removed and temperature, time, and pH precisely controlled, transforming the profile into tropical-fruit richness; roasted medium-light, it brews into passion fruit, grape, apricot, and dried-fruit aromas whether you pour-over, cold brew, use drip bags, or go moka pot.

And if you brew at home with an espresso machine or moka pot, baristas strongly recommend the FrontStreet Coffee Signature Blend: Brazil's creamy nut aromas married with Colombia's dark chocolate bittersweetness, extracting with a fine golden crema. It's forgiving for beginners and makes a rich, silky latte — or a solid base for Americanos, cappuccinos, and mochas.

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research hall, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation, hoping to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three low-discount coffee events each month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest prices. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!