In the realm of specialty coffee, there exists a pinnacle of achievement that sets a standard for quality, integrity, and flavor - the Cup of Excellence (COE). As enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine coffee, we at xBloom are continuously fascinated by the journey of these exceptional beans. In this post, we delve into the world of the Cup of Excellence, exploring what makes it a beacon of excellence in the coffee industry.
The Essence of Cup of Excellence
In 1999, the Cup of Excellence (COE) founders along with the Specialty Coffee Association of America developed the first global internet auction platform for award winning coffees. The Cup of Excellence stands as the most revered competition and auction for high-quality coffees. Its role in the specialty coffee industry is unparalleled, focusing intently on meticulous scrutiny and quality assessment. Each year, this competition sees thousands of submissions, but only the crème de la crème make it through, ultimately being auctioned globally at premium prices. What's remarkable is that a significant portion of these auctions directly benefits the coffee farmers, offering them deserved recognition and financial reward.
Pioneering Transparency and Integrity
The COE is renowned for its stringent and transparent judging process. Each coffee sample is anonymously assessed, identified only by a number known to the competition's auditor. This blind evaluation by both a National Jury, comprising local experts, and an International Jury of global coffee professionals, ensures unbiased and fair judgment based solely on quality.
Moreover, each competing lot is meticulously documented from farm to cup. This traceability not only guarantees the authenticity of the coffee but also highlights the unique story of each farm and micro-lot, connecting coffee lovers with the origins of their beloved brew.
The Rigorous Journey to Excellence
The journey to winning the Cup of Excellence is arduous and exhaustive. The competition involves a three-stage cupping process. It starts with the National Jury, who meticulously tastes and evaluates each submission. The best coffees then move forward to face the discerning palates of the International Jury. With approximately 9,000 cups analyzed for a competition with 300 entries, and each top 10 coffee being cupped at least 120 times, the rigor of this process is astounding. This exhaustive analysis ensures that only the most exceptional, consistent, and high-quality coffees reach the COE auction.
More Than Just a Competition
Beyond the accolades and financial benefits, the Cup of Excellence plays a crucial role in improving the economic model of coffee farming. It empowers farmers with the tools and incentives needed to enhance their craft, knowing that excellence brings recognition and reward. The COE fosters a more transparent infrastructure in the coffee industry, ultimately leading to better quality coffee and more sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
xBloom's Connection with Excellence
At xBloom, we are more than just spectators in this journey of excellence. We celebrate the passion, dedication, and skill of these extraordinary coffee farmers. That is why this March, we are bringing a light roast Gesha from Finca Sinai in Oaxaca, Mexico.
This exceptional coffee, which placed 6th in the 2023 Mexico Cup of Excellence with a score of 89.91, is a testament to the meticulous care and expertise of the farm's team, led by Mr. Diego Woolrich.
xBloom's commitment to sourcing and offering the finest coffees is reflected in our enthusiasm for the Cup of Excellence. We are not just introducing great coffee to our community, we are storytelling the hard work, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of quality beyond the exceptional coffee.
