If you feel that choosing the best coffee beans for your daily cup is a bit of a maze, then you’re in the right place.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the different types of coffee beans, where the best beans come from, how roast and flavour profiles affect taste, and how to select the perfect beans for your palate.
A note about coffee prices
In order to achieve ‘Speciality’ status, the coffee must score a minimum of 80 out of 100 by a certified Q grader. The coffee can then be priced based on quality rather than the market.
So, let’s begin with a quick look at the types of beans you can buy.
The 2 Main Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica and Robusta
There are two main species of coffee bean: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans are generally regarded as higher quality, offering a smooth, complex flavour with natural sweetness and acidity.
They are grown at higher altitudes and require more care, which is why they tend to be more expensive. In contrast, Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste with a higher caffeine content.
Robusta are often used in espresso blends for added depth and crema.
Single Origin, Single Estate & Blends
It’s useful to know whether the beans are single-origin, single-estate or a blend.
Single-origin coffee comes from one specific region or farm, which means it showcases unique characteristics from that location.
Blends, on the other hand, combine beans from different places to create a balanced and consistent flavour profile. While single-origin coffee offers distinct tasting notes, blends are often crafted for a more familiar and approachable taste. Blends are readily available year-round.
While on the more expensive side, you have Single Estate Coffees.
These are cultivated from one single coffee farm and will go in or out of season depending on the growing conditions at the time of year.
Many experienced coffee connoisseurs enjoy tasting beans from this single-estate range.
Now you know more about coffee characteristics, let’s look at the different choices in terms of brewing, flavours and roasts.
Some might say the most it’s important thing when it comes to buying fresh coffee, is how you brew it.
Choosing the Best Coffee Beans By Brewing Method
One of the most frequently asked questions from customers coming to the roasters’ is
“which coffees are best suited for espresso, filter or both?”
Generally speaking, lighter roasts work better with a slower extraction method such as a V60 or Aeropress so are therefore considered filter coffees.
Darker roasts are better for espresso due to the differences in solubility.
However, you can have a filter that’s dark or a light espresso if that’s how you like it best. You’ll find that our recommended brew method is listed under each product, this is how we think the nuanced flavours are best achieved.
Our award-winning blends have been created with espresso extraction in mind.
They naturally contain sweet and indulgent notes such as chocolate and caramel- which lend themselves as popular flavour profiles for all of your coffee shop favourites.
Choosing the best Coffee beans Based on Flavours or Tasting Notes
When tasting coffee, be mindful of its acidity, body, and aftertaste.
Doing so will help you find the flavours you enjoy the most.
If you want to get the most out of your coffee, understanding tasting notes is a great place to start. Just like wine, coffee has a wide range of flavours, and knowing what to look for can help you find the perfect beans for your taste.
- Chocolatey & Nutty – Often found in South American coffees, ideal for those who prefer a smooth and comforting taste.
- Fruity & Citrus – Common in African coffees, perfect for those who enjoy vibrant, tea-like characteristics.
- Floral & Herbal – Typically found in Ethiopian and high-altitude Central American coffees.
- Earthy & Spicy – Seen in Asian coffees, offering deep, rich, and bold notes.
If you’re new to specialty coffee, we often recommend starting with a chocolatey or nutty profile and adding a small amount of milk to the cup.
These flavours, commonly found in South American coffees, are smooth, well-balanced, and comforting— great for those transitioning from milky, supermarket coffee to the taste of freshly roasted beans.
Fruity or Citrusy
If you prefer something brighter and more refreshing, try a fruity or citrusy coffee.
These are typical of African beans, especially Ethiopian and Kenyan varieties, and often have vibrant berry or citrus notes with a tea-like quality. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a more complex and lively cup.
Floral & Herbal
For a more delicate and floral experience, we recommend Ethiopian or high-altitude Central American coffees with floral and herbal notes. These coffees often have a light, elegant body with jasmine, lavender, or chamomile-like characteristics. If you enjoy fragrant teas or lighter-bodied coffee, this could be a great choice.
Earthy & Spicy
If you prefer deep, bold, and intense flavours, look for earthy and spicy coffees from Asia. Indonesian beans, for example, often have rich, smoky, and sometimes even peppery notes, making them ideal for those who enjoy a strong and full-bodied cup.
The best way to find out what you like is to experiment. When tasting coffee, focus on its acidity (brightness), body (mouthfeel), and aftertaste. Take note of the flavours that stand out to you, and over time, you’ll start to develop a preference for certain origins and roast styles. If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend trying a variety of single-origin coffees to explore the diversity of flavours available.
Choosing The Best Coffee Beans Based On Roast Level
Roasting plays a crucial role in shaping the flavour profile of your coffee. The level of roasting influences how much of the original characteristics of the beans remain and how much is altered by the roasting process. Different roast levels cater to different tastes, and understanding these can help you choose the right coffee for your preferences.
Light Roasts
Light roasts preserve the original characteristics of the beans, which means they maintain the unique flavours tied to their origin. These coffees often have fruity, floral, or even herbal notes, making them ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant, more complex cup. Because of their higher acidity, light roasts tend to be more refreshing and can be somewhat tea-like in texture. If you enjoy bright, lively beverages, light roasts are a great place to start.
Medium Roasts
Medium roasts strike a balance between acidity and body, creating a more rounded flavour. These coffees usually have a smooth mouthfeel with a moderate level of acidity, which makes them approachable for many coffee drinkers. Medium roasts allow the natural sweetness of the beans to come through, while also introducing deeper flavours like caramel or chocolate. They tend to be more balanced and versatile, appealing to those who want a coffee that isn’t too sharp or too bold.
Dark Roasts
Dark roasts, on the other hand, bring out bold, rich flavours that can include chocolatey, smoky, or even spicy undertones. While these coffees are undeniably popular, especially in espresso blends, there is a growing school of thought among some coffee experts who argue that dark roasts don’t always showcase the true flavours of the coffee. Dark roasts tend to overpower the subtle nuances of the beans, and some experts believe they can be “over-roasted”, meaning that the natural characteristics of the coffee have been lost to the roasting process. In essence, a dark roast is often seen as having a “one-dimensional” taste, where the roast flavour dominates rather than the beans’ origin flavours. For those new to coffee, it may be more difficult to discern the variety of flavours, as the dark roast often masks them.
Choosing based on processing method
Aside from flavours, roast and origin, coffee processing methods also impact flavour.
Beans processed using the washed (wet) method tend to have a clean, bright taste, while the natural (dry) method results in fruitier and more intense flavours.
The honey process, which falls in between, creates a sweet and complex cup.
Freshness is another crucial factor when selecting coffee beans.
It is best to buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing to retain their flavour and aroma. Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness quickly, leading to a dull and stale taste.
Where in the World Do the Best Coffee Beans Come From?
Coffee is grown in the “coffee belt,” which spans the tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Each region produces coffee with distinct characteristics influenced by factors such as climate, soil, and altitude.
- South America (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Peru) – Coffees from this region are known for their smooth, nutty, and chocolatey profiles. Colombian coffee, in particular, is well-loved for its balanced acidity and caramel sweetness.
- Central America (e.g., Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras) – These coffees often have bright acidity, fruity notes, and a caramel-like sweetness, making them ideal for filter brewing methods.
- Africa (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda) – African coffees are some of the most complex and vibrant, with floral, citrus, and berry-like flavours. Ethiopian coffee, widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee, is famous for its distinct fruity and tea-like characteristics.
- Asia-Pacific (e.g., Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea) – This region produces earthy, spicy, and full-bodied coffees, with Indonesian beans often featuring bold, chocolatey notes and a syrupy texture.
Understanding the origin of your coffee beans can help you choose flavours that align with your preferences.
Choosing to be Ethical & Sustainable
With growing awareness of sustainability and ethical sourcing, it is essential to choose coffee that supports both the environment and coffee farmers. Certifications such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Direct Trade indicate that the coffee has been sourced responsibly. Many UK coffee roasters prioritise ethical practices, ensuring that farmers receive fair wages and that coffee production remains environmentally sustainable.
Buying from a responsible roaster not only guarantees better quality coffee but also contributes to a more ethical and sustainable industry.
