More About Exclusivo
Origin and plantation
- The Exclusivo blend consists of 100% Arabica beans from South America (mainly Brazil and Peru) and East Africa (Kenya AA). This combination brings together full mocha-like tones from Latin America, and the fresh fruitiness of highland Kenya.
- Kenya AA denotes the highest quality Kenyan coffee beans, grown at approximately 1,700–1,800 meters altitude. The high cultivation altitude contributes to the complex, bright flavors for which Kenyan coffees are known.
- Brazil and Peru provide the base of the blend. Brazil is known for large coffee plantations (often in regions like the Cerrado) with rich beans, while Peru often has small-scale highland farms. Together they provide body and sweetness to the coffee.
- No specific single-estate farm is named for this blend, but Mocca d’Or selects quality coffee at the source. Some Mocca d’Or coffees are even sourced directly from the farm for maximum traceability.
- The beans are grown sustainably in their regions of origin. South American coffees mostly come from sun-drenched plantations, while the Kenya AA comes from high-altitude, volcanic soils, a terroir that contributes to the characteristic fruity profile.
Roast profile
- The Mocca d’Or Exclusivo is medium roasted according to the Slow Roast method. This means the beans are roasted at a lower temperature for a longer time, about 15 minutes per batch, to allow all flavors to develop optimally.
- Thanks to the slow roast, the beans achieve an even, medium roast (strength profile: "medium"). This results in a refined flavor profile without the bitterness or burnt notes that often occur with darker roasts.
- Mocca d’Or roasts artisanally in traditional drum roasters. The beans are not roasted extremely dark and oily, which ensures the aroma is preserved and the coffee remains clean in use (no greasy residues in equipment).
- Due to this mild espresso roast the coffee has a soft finish and lacks a sharp edge. Mocca d’Or's roasters give the blend exactly enough time to develop a full flavor without harshness.
- The result is a balanced coffee with an accessible character. The absence of a "bitterness" after roasting provides a smooth and pleasant cup of coffee that appeals to a wide audience.
Flavor and aroma
- Exclusivo offers a full, rounded flavor with a lovely balance between brightness (fresh acidity) and sweetness. This balance keeps the coffee lively without coming across as too sharp or sour.
- The aroma is delicate, floral and fruity. Distinct flavor nuances of apricot and orange emerge on the palate, giving the coffee a refined, lightly sweet fruity note.
- Enthusiasts describe this blend as "sensuous and soft", with a slight brightness and a hint of mocha-like flavor in the background. That mocha undertone adds a touch of cocoa or nutty chocolate notes to the finish.
- The finish is silky-smooth and contains no harsh bitterness. Instead, a subtle mocha-like aftertaste lingers, complemented by a touch of fruitiness that slowly fades.
- All in all, the flavor profile is full and refined, yet never overwhelming. The coffee feels round and pleasant in the mouth, with complex layers that complement each other nicely, from floral aromas to fruity flavors and a soft, long finish.
Processing Method
- The blend combines coffee beans processed with different methods, which contributes to the complexity. A portion of the beans (such as Kenya AA) is fully washed. With this wet-process method the beans are pulped after harvest, washed and dried, resulting in clean, bright flavor notes.
- Other beans in the blend, particularly from Brazil, often undergo the natural (unwashed) processing method. In this process the coffee cherries dry in the sun with the fruit pulp still attached. This dry-process yields beans with a sweeter, fuller flavor and a slightly heavier body.
- By blending washed and unwashed coffees a pleasing flavor contrast is created. Washed beans provide sparkling freshness and higher acidity, while naturally processed beans contribute a richer body and ripe fruit flavors. Exclusivo benefits from both, clarity as well as depth.
- Brazilian coffee is traditionally often processed as natural or pulped natural (a semi-washed method). This approach, developed in Brazil, uses little water and produces beans with sweet undertones and mild acidity. This contributes to the soft, mocha-like elements in the blend's flavor.
- The Peruvian component in the blend is likely washed processed (as is common for coffee from the Andes region), which contributes to a clean taste and light brightness. The interplay of different processing methods means each sip of Exclusivo reveals layers of flavors, from fruity and floral to creamy and chocolatey.
Variety
- Exclusivo is made entirely from Coffea Arabica beans. No Robusta has been added to this blend, which contributes to the mild flavor without the harsh bitterness that Robusta can impart.
- All coffee varieties used are Arabica strains originating from the relevant regions. For example, the blend contains, among others, Kenya AA beans, one of the world’s most highly valued Arabicas. Kenyan varieties (such as SL28/SL34) are known for their excellent cup quality and contribute to the clarity of the coffee.
- The Arabica beans in this blend belong to traditional cultivars (mostly from the Typica or Bourbon lines grown in South America, and the SL varieties in Africa). These heritage varieties deliver complex flavors and aromas, which can be tasted in the versatility of Exclusivo.
- Arabica coffee naturally has a lower caffeine content and a more refined flavor than Robusta. Exclusivo is also characterized by a moderate caffeine level and an elegant taste without bitterness. This makes the coffee suitable to enjoy at any time of day without too strong a caffeine boost.
- By choosing only high-quality Arabica, Mocca d’Or achieves a top-quality blend. Their blends can compete with the absolute top of the market. The choice of 100% Arabica in Exclusivo underlines the focus on flavor nuances and quality.
Sustainability and ethics
- Exclusivo does not carry an official sustainability certification (no Fairtrade or organic label). Still, Mocca d’Or applies high ethical standards in sourcing: they select quality coffee and pay fair prices for good beans, even without certification.
- Sustainability is central at Mocca d’Or. Many of their coffees are organic and/or Fairtrade certified. For the regular lines (such as Exclusivo) this means attention is paid to responsible cultivation and quality, even if there is no official label on the bag.
- Mocca d’Or also maintains direct ties with coffee farmers through the 'Direct Source' program. This means that some coffees are purchased directly from the farm, without intermediaries, which provides transparency in the chain and gives farmers a fairer price.
- Mocca d’Or is also taking steps on the environmental front. For example, they strive for more environmentally friendly packaging and test new, sustainable films. Their special coffee line Santas Koffie even uses reusable tins to save thousands of disposable plastic packages per year.
- The roastery itself is set up for sustainability. In the recently renovated roastery in Zwolle the heat released during coffee roasting is captured and used to heat the building. In addition, there are 280 solar panels on the roof, allowing part of the production site to operate energy-neutrally. If by-products or waste occur, waste reduction and recycling are applied as much as possible.
Brewing Recommendations
- The Exclusivo, thanks to its balanced character, is suitable for all common brewing methods. Whether a strong espresso, a classic lungo, or a mild filter coffee is preferred, this blend delivers a convincing cup in every form.
- This blend excels in versatility. It produces a perfect espresso with a rich crema layer, and it also performs excellently in a cappuccino or latte macchiato. Because of its full-bodied flavour, the coffee does not get lost in milk but retains enough punch to come through.
- For filter methods such as pour-over (V60), French press, or Chemex, the Exclusivo also offers plenty of flavour. The subtle floral and fruity notes come into their own with longer brewing methods, while the coffee still has sufficient body and sweetness for, for example, a cafetière.
- The roasting method and grind make the beans suitable for a wide range of equipment, so the Exclusivo can be used without problems in fully automatic espresso machines, the beans are not too dark or oily and grind easily without fouling the machine. At the same time it is popular with baristas using semi-automatic machines because of the consistent extraction and crema.
- The coffee is available as whole beans or freshly ground to the desired grind, tailored to the chosen brewing method. Whether a finer grind is needed for espresso or a coarse grind for French press, Mocca d’Or provides the Exclusivo to measure. This flexibility ensures that every enthusiast can get the best from the bean.
Prices and reviews
- The Exclusivo is considered Mocca d’Or’s flagship, the roaster regards this blend as the "crown of their work" and therefore promotes it as one of their absolute top coffees.
- It is also one of Mocca d’Or’s best-selling blends. Thanks to its consistent quality and flavour, demand is high, both among private coffee lovers and hospitality businesses looking for a reliable house espresso.
- The blend has also received external recognition, for example the Exclusivo won an award in the national AD Koffietest in the past, which underlines its excellent quality. This achievement indicates that the coffee is regarded as outstanding not only by Mocca d’Or itself but also scores well in independent tastings.
- Consumers appreciate the Exclusivo as well. On coffee websites it achieves, for example, a customer rating of around 70% (just over 7 out of 10), which, given the exacting standards of espresso lovers, is a solid score. People especially praise the balanced flavour and the lack of bitterness in the aftertaste.
- Finally, the popularity is also evident from the blend's long-standing presence on the market. For years the Exclusivo has maintained its place as a favourite in the range, which means many coffee drinkers choose this bean again and again. That loyal band of fans and positive reviews confirm that the coffee delivers on its promises in the cup.
Packaging design
Mocca d'Or Exclusivo is supplied in high-quality 1 kg packages. Each bag is airtight and fitted with a freshness valve to preserve the aromas optimally. This one-kilogram pack yields about 125 cups of coffee, making it ideal for heavy users or office environments.
The packaging features a clean, recognisable design: Mocca d'Or uses stylish foil bags with clear printing for its blends. The label states that this is a 100% Arabica blend and includes a flavour description (floral and fruity with hints of apricot and orange), so the user immediately knows what to expect. The Mocca d'Or logo and the red quality slogan "Coffee we're proud of" stand out, underscoring the premium character.
In addition to the one-kilo bags, 250 g packages are available for sampling or lighter use. These smaller bags make it easy to try the Exclusivo or give it as a gift. Neither the 1 kg nor the 250 g packages are resealable, so it is recommended to store the coffee in an airtight canister after opening to maintain long-term freshness.
The packaging is designed not only for looks but also with sustainability in mind. Mocca d'Or is working towards increasingly eco-friendlier packaging materials, although the current bag is still made from sturdy laminated foil for optimal shelf life. The combination of attractive design, informative printing and freshness-preserving technology keeps the Exclusivo appealing both on the shelf and in use.
Availability and price
- Mocca d'Or Exclusivo is widely available in the Netherlands. It can be ordered directly via the Mocca d'Or webshop (specialist shop 't Konkeltje) or purchased from various coffee specialty shops and online retailers. From local coffee boutiques to larger online platforms, the Exclusivo is a regular item in the range.
- The retail price is around €35–36 per kilo for the beans. For example, the Mocca d'Or site lists approximately €35.50 for 1 kg. Some resellers offer slight price variations; it can be on offer for around €30 per kilo, but generally the price sits in the mid-thirties, including VAT.
- For those who want to try it first or consume less coffee, there is the 250 g option. A quarter-kilo bag of Exclusivo costs roughly €9 to €10. This smaller package is convenient for sampling the coffee. Some suppliers sometimes offer intermediate sizes (500 g), although 1 kg is the standard size.
- Bulk purchases often qualify for discounts. Mocca d'Or and its points of sale reward larger orders with volume discounts, for example around 5–7.5% off at 4 kg and rising to about 10% at 8 kg or more. This makes the Exclusivo attractive for hospitality businesses or heavy users; additionally, many shops offer free shipping from a certain order amount (often starting at approximately 4 kg).
- Regarding delivery times: if an order is placed on a business day, the coffee is usually delivered the next day. Mocca d'Or and most webshops have fast order processing and reliable delivery. Fresh stock and quick shipping ensure enjoyment of freshly roasted Exclusivo without long waits.
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