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The liberic ("Cophea liberica") is a minority species: between 1 and 2% of the world's coffee. It comes from West Africa, but today its most vivid tradition is in the Philippines and Malaysia.

It is a large tree, with cherries and also large grains, more than those of the Arabic. If you see a grain of liberic next to one of arabics, the difference jumps into sight.

In the Philippines it is the base of "barako" coffee. It is a strong and personality cup: smoked, woody and fruity aroma that reminds of the yak, a tropical fruit.

• Coffee: less than the robust.
• Tree and big grains.
• Small and difficult to find production in Europe.

Don't expect the acidity of an arabic or the bitterness of a robust one: it's something else. If you find one, prepare it in French press, phin or moka and take it easy. It's a good way to find out that coffee is much more than two species.