As you browse coffee bags online or in your local shop, you’ve likely seen terms like single-origin and blend. While they may sound like insider lingo, they carry real implications for flavor, consistency, and brewing experience.
Let’s break down what these terms mean—and which one might suit your taste and brewing method.
What Is Single-Origin Coffee?
Single-origin coffee is sourced from one specific region, farm, or even a single lot within a farm. The key idea is traceability and purity of flavor.
Key characteristics:
- Distinctive flavor profiles tied to geography (soil, climate, altitude)
- Typically roasted light to medium to showcase terroir
- Ideal for manual brewing methods like pour-over, AeroPress, and Chemex
Pros:
- Unique and often complex taste
- A great way to explore coffee origins
- Often seasonal and limited in quantity
Cons:
- Can vary significantly from batch to batch
- May be too bright or intense for some palates
What Is a Coffee Blend?
A coffee blend is made by mixing beans from multiple regions, farms, or even continents to create a balanced, consistent flavor profile.
Common reasons for blending:
- To create a signature house flavor
- To balance acidity, body, and sweetness
- To enhance consistency for espresso shots
Pros:
- Reliable and consistent taste
- Often more approachable for beginners
- Ideal for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes
Cons:
- Less complexity or nuance than single-origin
- May mask the individual character of beans
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose single-origin if you:
- Love trying new and distinctive flavors
- Brew manually and want to appreciate nuance
- Enjoy learning about coffee regions and producers
- Choose blends if you:
- Prefer a consistent flavor every morning
- Drink espresso or milk-based drinks
- Want something easy-drinking and forgiving
What We Recommend
- For espresso beginners: Start with a medium roast blend designed for espresso.
- For pour-over enthusiasts: Try a washed single-origin from Ethiopia or Colombia.
- For milk drink lovers: Look for blends that emphasize body and chocolate notes.
