When choosing coffee beans, you will often see two categories: single-origin and blends. While the terms are common in specialty coffee, their meanings are sometimes misunderstood. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right coffee for your taste preferences and brewing style.
Single-origin coffee comes from one specific geographic location—sometimes a country, sometimes a region, and occasionally a single farm or lot. These coffees highlight the unique flavors of the place they come from. For example, Ethiopian coffees may feature floral and citrus notes, while Colombian coffees often deliver caramel sweetness and balanced acidity. Single-origins are celebrated for their distinctiveness and complexity, making them perfect for pour-over and black coffee drinkers.
Blends, on the other hand, combine beans from multiple origins. This allows roasters to create balanced flavor profiles that are smooth, consistent, and versatile. A blend might mix a chocolatey Brazilian coffee with a fruity Ethiopian one, resulting in a cup that is both sweet and vibrant. Blends are often used for espresso because they maintain consistency and perform well with milk.
Choosing between single-origin and blend depends on your preferences. If you enjoy exploring unique flavors and tasting the personality of a specific region, single-origins are an exciting choice. If you want a reliable, balanced cup that works well across different brewing methods, blends offer consistency and crowd-pleasing comfort.
There is no right or wrong answer—both styles offer delicious possibilities. Experimenting with both can help you discover how diverse coffee can be, and you may find that you prefer different styles depending on the moment, the brewing method, or the mood of your day.