Introduction:Since its debut in 2017, the Hua Kui series of coffee beans has remained a focal point in the global specialty coffee market. Not only is it highly favored by professional competition participants, but it has also sparked keen interest among consumers. The new 2022 crop of Hua Kui 6.0 is soon to arrive in Hong Kong. How does its flavor profile differ from the previous 5.0? This article takes an in-depth look at the actual taste differences between Hua Kui 6.0 and 5.0, reviews the evolution of this series, and provides practical flavor descriptions and brewing references to help you better understand the appeal of these popular beans.
Hua Kui coffee beans have long been a focus of attention for specialty coffee enthusiasts, with their popularity even catching the eye of international chain brands. It is reported that Luckin Coffee planned to purchase up to 80 tons of Hua Kui beans in 2022, compared to just 30–40 tons imported by all domestic green bean merchants in 2021—clearly demonstrating its extraordinary market appeal.
The name "Hua Kui" can be traced back to 2017, when a naturally processed coffee bean from the Guji Ghimbi region, produced by the Buku Abel washing station, won the championship in the Natural category of the TOH (Taste of Harvest) competition. In the same year, barista Li Jianfei used this bean to secure second place in the China regional round of the World Brewers Cup, where most participants opted for the then-popular Geisha beans, making this Ghimbi-origin bean stand out even more. Beijing-based green bean merchant Hongshun Coffee introduced this batch to the Chinese market and named it "Hua Kui," meaning the top-ranking geisha dancer, symbolizing the highest quality.
It is worth noting that the only batch truly regarded as the original "Hua Kui" is the specific 2017 TOH-winning lot from the Buku Abel washing station. Subsequent versions in the market, such as Hua Kui 2.0, 3.0, and even 5.0, are extensions of the series. Though they retain the name, their flavor characteristics have been adjusted. In particular, the 2017 version was notable for its pronounced strawberry notes, which became a classic impression for many coffee lovers, whereas later versions gradually exhibited different flavor directions.
Hongshun Coffee has continued to maintain stable collaboration with the producing region, striving to preserve the quality and characteristics of the Hua Kui series. By 2021, the released Hua Kui 5.0, while no longer as intensely strawberry-forward as the original, still retained rich citrus and berry aromas, with a distinct flavor layering that also garnered widespread praise from consumers.
As time progresses, the new 2022 crop of Hua Kui beans is set to be launched, and as per tradition, is expected to be named Hua Kui 6.0, with an anticipated arrival at port in April 2022. It is understood that some specialty coffee shops have already preemptively reserved this batch, allowing customers to be among the first to taste the flavor profile of the new crop.
Overall, the Hua Kui series, from its initial debut in 2017 to its annual updates thereafter, is not just a single breakout product but represents a comprehensive outcome of regional terroir, processing techniques, and market feedback. For coffee enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different flavor profiles and experimenting with pour over brewing, comparing Hua Kui 6.0 and 5.0 offers an excellent opportunity to understand the evolution of coffee and the impact of processing methods.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
