In Central America, the coffee grading systems of most coffee-producing countries are relatively simple and straightforward, mainly based on altitude grading, but in South America, coffee grading is relatively complex. Among them, Colombia's grading system is mainly based on two factors, defect rate and screen size, in order to ensure the quality of exported coffee.

Excelso is the export standard grade adopted by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC), and is the highest grade of Colombian green coffee. In Colombia, as long as green coffee reaches the export grade, it will be marked with "Excelso-Cafe de Colombia" on the burlap packaging, and can obtain the Quality Certificate certification issued by the FNC.

According to the requirements, the size of the coffee beans needs to be above 14 screen, and overall at least 50% of the green coffee must be larger than 15 screen, and no more than 5% of the green coffee may be between 12 screen and 14 screen, andit also needs to be free of insect damage, uniform in color, free of off-flavors, clean in flavor, and the moisture content must not exceed 12.5%.

In addition, a 500 g sample of green coffee beans must be taken for defect classification. Green bean defects are divided into primary defects and secondary defects. This 500 g green bean sample will be scored for defects, but it must not exceed the defect limit of 24 points.

In addition, Colombia believes that plump, uniform and large coffee beans indicate that the beans have reached a fully mature state, can develop better aroma types, are conducive to even roasting, and can form a consistent flavor. Therefore, they are also classified according to coffee screen size.

Currently, the three most commonly used grades in Colombia are Excelso UGQ 12*60 (1.5%), Excelso EP 12*60 (10%) and Excelso Supremo 12*60 (5%).

Specifically, in Excelso UGQ 12*60 (1.5%), UGQ stands for Usual Good Quality. The green beans are 14 screen or larger, with 1.5% of the green beans allowed to fall between screen 12 and screen 14, but they must be above screen 12, and more than 50% must be larger than screen 15.

In Excelso EP 12*60 (10%), EP stands for European Preparation. The green beans are 15 screen or larger, with 10% of the green beans allowed to be smaller than screen 15, but they must be above screen 12.

Excelso Supremo 12*60 (5%) has the largest screen size. The green beans are 17 screen or larger, with 5% of the green beans allowed to be smaller than screen 17, but they must be above screen 14.

In addition, for Supremo 12*60 (5%), the most commonly exported grade in Colombia, the later 12*60 also refers to the "tolerance rate," meaning that in a 500 g sample of beans, a maximum of 12 primary defects and 60 secondary defects are allowed.

In addition, coffee farmers in Colombia record the number and green bean information to make future green bean traceability easier, and the green coffee bean name usually consists of country, region, grade and screen size. For example, the Huila coffee beans in the current Qianjie Entry Selection series are "Colombia Huila Supremo SC17/18 FNC".

Through cupping, it was found that this coffee bean has the rich nutty and chocolate-like aromas traditional to Colombia, along with soft fruit acidity and sweetness, and is clean and balanced overall, so a medium roast is chosen. After brewing, the entry has soft fruit acidity, nutty and chocolate flavors, and a caramel-like sweetness, and is soft and balanced overall.

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