Unlike coffee blends which are often labelled as ‘blend’ on packaging, single origin coffee can be traced back to a specific country and crop. This allows for nuanced flavour profiles to shine through.
For example, our soon to be launched Kenya Ragati Peaberry showcases blackcurrant, lemon and vine tomato flavours best when drunk filtered. A deliciously balanced brew to wake you up.
Origin
Single origin coffee is traceable to a specific region of the world and never mixed with any other beans from green bean to brew. This allows you to taste the unique flavor that is a hallmark of a particular area.
Much like a wine from Napa tastes different than a Cabernet from Tuscany, a coffee grown in one area will have a signature taste that distinguishes it from another. The differences in climate, the soil components, the things that live in the ground, the shade, the varietals of coffee plants, the harvesting methods and the roasting process all have a profound effect on the taste of the resulting cup of coffee.
Our curated collection of single origin coffees will take you to exotic lands and give you the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best flavors without spending a fortune. From the full body and chocolate notes of Brazil to the floral and citrusy flavors of Guatemala, we’ve got something for everyone.
We also offer Double Origins, which are two separate Single Origins blended together to create a more balanced flavor profile. For example, we offer a Mexican Single Origin that is dark roasted from Chicomuselo and features citrus, raisin, and honey flavor notes. We also offer a Costa Rica Single Origin from Finca Aurora Xolhuitz that is medium roasted and is full of fruit and caramel notes.
Taste
Single origin coffee is a chance for the roaster to showcase an individual region’s intrinsic flavors at their most delicious. Coffee is a bit like wine in this regard; the growing conditions, varietal of the coffee plant, shade, altitude, soil, things that live in the soil, how fertilizer is used or not and the list goes on will all impact the taste of the coffee.
Proponents of Single Origin coffee believe that these regional factors produce distinctive tastes and characteristics that a coffee should be allowed to display unadulterated. This allows the flavours of the bean to shine, something that can be hard to achieve when a blend is involved.
Different regions have different climates which lead to wildly different tasting notes in the finished cup. For example, a Rwandan might feature floral and orangey notes or a Kenyan can have a syrupy, stewed apple and raisin finish.
Additionally, the way a particular coffee is processed will also change the flavour profile. For example, a washed coffee from Burundi will have a more citrusy and fruity flavour while a natural processed coffee from Mexico might be more chocolatey and nutty in character.
For these reasons, a single origin coffee can be more expensive than a blend. Fortunately, it is easy to differentiate between Single Origin and Blends in the shops as the former are clearly marked with a country of origin on their packaging.
Tasting Notes
A lot goes into the creation of a cup of coffee. From the growing region to how it is processed and roasted. The result is a complex beverage that can have many flavor and aroma profiles.
This is what makes single origin coffees so special. They tell a full story of a particular region like no other coffee can. They are the truest expression of terroir, where each individual farm and growing region has their own symphony of flavors that are brought out depending on weather patterns, elevation, rainfall totals, soil components and so much more.
When you are reading tasting notes on a cup of coffee you should take them with a grain of salt, as these are descriptive words used to help you understand the flavors in a cup of coffee. However, with a little practice you can begin to identify these flavors on your own and enjoy a cup of coffee that truly speaks to a specific area.
Some of the most popular tasting notes are citrusy, nutty, fruity and chocolaty. While these are all common descriptors for a cup of coffee, they can vary in intensity and taste depending on the way it is brewed. A pour over might bring out the notes of berries and grapes while an espresso may have the nutty flavors of hazelnut.
Health Benefits
The flavor of a single origin coffee is as pure as it gets because they never get mixed with any other beans from different places (like in blends). This way the original region’s taste stays intact.
Single origin coffees tend to have more floral and citrus flavors than blends. They are also generally brighter and acidic since they have been grown at high altitudes.
In addition to its delicious flavor, many people drink coffee for the health benefits. Caffeine increases energy levels and reduces mental fatigue. It can also help improve exercise performance and decrease the risk of Type II Diabetes. Furthermore, coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. However, some studies have shown that moderate coffee intake can increase heart disease and stroke risks and may lead to higher cholesterol. The key is to always listen to your body and avoid excessive consumption.
Our selection of single origin coffees is carefully sourced from unique farms around the world. These high-quality beans are then expertly roasted and ground to ensure you enjoy the best cup of coffee possible. We offer a range of styles from light roast to dark roast, so you can find the perfect one for your taste preferences. If you’re unsure about which type of coffee is right for you, we recommend trying a single origin coffee first and then exploring our blends once you know what your preferences are.
