Support Barako
Choose barako. Keep it growing.
Every bag of kapeng barako you buy helps preserve a rare coffee, supports Filipino farming families and keeps a centuries-old tradition brewing.
Why it matters
Your cup makes a real difference
Heritage
Protect a rarity
Liberica is only a tiny fraction of the world’s coffee. Demand from drinkers like you is what keeps farmers planting it.
Community
Support farmers
Barako is grown mostly by smallholders. Buying local, and buying direct where you can, helps more of your money reach their families.
Future
A climate-ready crop
Hardy and heat-tolerant, Liberica is drawing interest worldwide as a coffee that can cope with a warming climate.
Local
Grow local coffee
The Philippines imports much of the coffee it drinks. Choosing local beans helps strengthen the country’s own coffee industry.
Buying guide
How to find authentic barako
Not every bag labelled “barako” is the same. Use this checklist to get the real thing and the best flavour.
Good to know
Some products blend barako with Robusta or Arabica. Blends can be delicious, but if you want the true Liberica experience, look for “100% Liberica” on the label.
- Check the species. Look for “100% Liberica” or “pure barako”.
- Check the origin. Batangas, Cavite or a named farm or cooperative are great signs.
- Look for a roast date. Fresher is better; aim for coffee roasted within the last few weeks.
- Choose whole beans. They stay fresh longer, and you can grind them for your brewing method.
- Look at the beans. Genuine Liberica beans are large and irregular, with a hooked tip.
- Buy close to the source. Farmers’ cooperatives, local markets, pasalubong shops and Filipino roasters are all great options.
Taste it at the source
Plan a barako trip
Nothing beats a cup of barako brewed just a few kilometres from where it was grown.
Batangas
Lipa City
Barako’s historic heartland. Explore its coffee heritage, then enjoy a hearty Batangas breakfast with a freshly brewed cup.
Cavite
Amadeo
The self-styled Coffee Capital of the Philippines, home to farms and the annual Pahimis Coffee Festival.
On the way
Tagaytay & nearby
Ridge-side cafés and pasalubong shops make it easy to sip barako with a view and take a bag or two home.
Spread the word
Simple ways to help barako thrive
You don’t have to be a farmer to make a difference. Small, everyday choices add up.
- Make barako your everyday coffee, not just an occasional treat.
- Ask your favourite café whether they serve local Liberica.
- Give it as a gift: a bag of barako is the perfect pasalubong.
- Brew it for friends and share the story behind the cup.
- Share online with #KapengBarako and tag local roasters and farms.
FAQ
Your barako questions, answered
Is kapeng barako the same as Liberica?
Kapeng barako refers to Liberica coffee from the Philippines, especially from Batangas and Cavite. Some sellers also use the name for local blends or for Excelsa, so check the label if you want pure Liberica.
Does barako have more caffeine than other coffees?
Not necessarily. Barako’s strength is mostly about its bold flavour, intense aroma and heavy body. Robusta is generally the highest-caffeine coffee; Liberica’s caffeine is moderate.
Can I drink barako with milk?
Absolutely. Its heavy body and chocolatey depth make barako excellent with fresh, evaporated or condensed milk, in lattes and iced drinks.
Is barako good for espresso?
Yes. Barako makes a rich, full-bodied espresso, either on its own or as part of a blend. It’s a great base for lattes and affogato.
Why does my barako taste too bitter?
Common culprits are stale beans, a grind that’s too fine, water that’s too hot or brewing for too long. Try fresher beans, a coarser grind and a shorter brew time, and see our brewing guide.
Where can I buy barako?
Look for Filipino roasters, farmers’ cooperatives, local markets and pasalubong shops in Batangas, Cavite and Tagaytay, as well as Philippine specialty cafés and their online stores. Use the buying guide above to choose well.
“Your next cup can make a difference. Make it barako.”