Unlike either arabica or robusta: the dry aroma carries jackfruit-like ripe tropical fruit and smoky wood; the cup is bold, with dark chocolate and brown sugar, pronounced bitterness, a heavy body, and a long finish of dried fruit and spice.
Buying Tips
Liberica: The third commercial coffee species alongside arabica and robusta — tall trees with large cherries and large, asymmetric beans; it makes up less than 2% of world production
Kapeng Barako: In Filipino, "barako" means a strong, macho man, describing the coffee's bold flavor; the Lipa area of Batangas is its traditional home
History: Lipa was an important coffee exporter in the late 19th century until pests and disease struck; Liberica, being more resistant, has continued there ever since
Brewing Notes
French press: Medium-coarse grind, 93°C, 4-minute steep
Traditional Filipino style: Brew strong and sweeten with muscovado sugar or condensed milk