Origin: Southern and Central Regions (Daloa, Gagnoa, Abengourou)
Profile: Intense, Earthy, and Bitter-Sweet
Ivory Coast G1 SCR 18 (Grade 1, Screen 18) is the premium tier of Ivorian coffee. As one of the world’s largest Robusta producers, Ivory Coast is famous for supplying the “punch” behind many classic European espresso blends. The Grade 1 designation is the country’s highest quality mark, signifying a very low defect count, while Screen 18 indicates jumbo-sized beans that provide a more uniform and sophisticated roast than standard commercial grades.
Historically, this coffee was the backbone of the French coffee market. It is known for its uncompromising strength and a “wild” West African character that is more rustic and savory than the cleaner Robustas of Asia.
Body: Very heavy and “brothy”; it creates a thick, resilient crema.
Notes: Pronounced dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, and spice, with a distinct earthy undertone and a hint of tobacco.
Acidity: Extremely low; it is built for power and mouthfeel rather than brightness.
Finish: Long, bold, and smoky, leaving a lingering taste of high-percentage cacao.
Ivorian Grade 1 is a “blender’s delight,” prized for its ability to dominate a cup:
The “French Style” Roast: Ideal for dark, oily roasts where you want a smoky, bittersweet profile that pairs perfectly with milk and sugar.
Espresso Stability: Used at 10-25% to provide a mahogany-colored crema and a caffeine boost that cuts through the creaminess of lattes and cappuccinos.
Traditional Moka Pot: It mimics the “old school” café flavor—strong, bitter, and invigorating.
In the Ivory Coast grading system, quality is a balance of size and purity:
Grade 1 (G1): Typically Screen 18 (7.1mm) or Screen 16 (6.3mm). It is the most “selected” lot, with the fewest black or broken beans, ensuring a cleaner cup.
Screen 18 Advantage: These larger beans are the most mature of the harvest. They contain more oils and sugars than smaller beans, leading to a smoother, more “chocolatey” result rather than the “woody” taste of lower grades.