Whether you’re starting your morning or taking a midday break, coffee has a way of lifting your spirits. But not all coffee is created equal. When you’re diving into the world of specialty coffee, it’s easy to feel a little lost. With endless origins, roast levels, and flavor profiles, how do you choose the best one? The answer isn’t just in picking the coolest-looking bag on the shelf. Specialty coffee is about savoring the process and enjoying the unique qualities of each bean. But hey, don’t worry—finding the perfect cup doesn’t have to feel like rocket science.
Let’s break it down. Here are five tips that’ll help you choose the best specialty coffee to match your taste buds and bring your coffee game to the next level.
1. Know Where Your Coffee Comes From
The origin of your coffee can make a huge difference in flavor. Different regions around the world produce beans that are influenced by local climate, altitude, and soil. These factors, known as terroir in the coffee world, shape the unique characteristics of the beans. Whether you’re into bold, earthy flavors or something more fruity and bright, knowing the origin of your coffee will help you find the taste you’re after.
Take coffee from Colombia, for example. Colombian coffee is known for its balanced flavor, often with hints of caramel or chocolate, and a clean finish. Perfect if you’re looking for something smooth that’s not too intense. On the other hand, Ethiopian beans are often described as fruity, with berry-like notes, while beans from Sumatra tend to have a bold, earthy kick.
Want to keep things interesting? Try mixing things up by sampling beans from different regions. You’ll quickly discover how much of a difference location can make in each cup.
2. Understand the Roast Levels
Roast levels play a massive role in how your coffee tastes. Whether you like your brew to taste light and floral or rich and robust, the roast is a key factor. Specialty coffee typically falls into one of three roast categories: light, medium, or dark. And each brings something unique to the table.
- Light roasts preserve more of the bean’s original flavors, which is perfect if you want to taste the nuanced, natural notes of your coffee’s origin. Expect bright acidity and fruity or floral tones here.
- Medium roasts offer a bit more balance. You’ll still taste the original flavors but with added sweetness from the roasting process. This is a safe bet if you’re not sure what you like yet—it’s versatile and crowd-pleasing.
- Dark roasts go big on bold, smoky flavors. These beans have been roasted longer, giving them a deep, rich taste that’s less about the origin and more about the roasting process itself. If you like strong coffee with less acidity, this is your go-to.
If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to sample different roast levels and see what hits the spot. As you dive deeper into the world of specialty coffee, you might find your preferences shifting, and that’s part of the fun!
3. Pay Attention to Processing Methods
When coffee beans are harvested, they need to be processed before they’re roasted—and the method used can have a big impact on flavor. The main processing methods are washed, natural, and honey, and each one brings something different to the table.
- Washed (or wet) process: This method removes the fruit from the coffee cherry before the beans are dried. It results in a clean, bright flavor with more acidity, which is great if you love crisp, vibrant coffee.
- Natural (or dry) process: In this method, the beans are dried with the fruit still intact, which allows the flavors of the fruit to influence the beans. This often leads to more complex, fruity, and wine-like flavors. If you’re a fan of unique, bold tastes, natural-processed beans could be your jam.
- Honey process: This is somewhere between the washed and natural processes. The beans are dried with some of the fruit still on, which gives them a sweet, syrupy flavor without being as intense as the natural process.
By paying attention to how your coffee is processed, you’ll get a better sense of how it will taste in the cup. It’s one of those details that can take your coffee experience to the next level without much effort.
4. Find the Right Grind Size
It’s not just about the beans themselves—how you grind your coffee plays a big role in how it tastes. The grind size affects how quickly the water extracts flavors from the coffee, and getting it right depends on your brewing method. Too fine a grind and your coffee might end up bitter. Too coarse, and it could taste weak.
Here’s a quick guide to grind size and brewing methods:
- Coarse grind: Best for French press or cold brew. The larger grind size allows for a slower extraction, resulting in a smooth and rich flavor.
- Medium grind: Perfect for drip coffee makers or pour-over methods. This middle-of-the-road grind size strikes a balance between extraction speed and flavor.
- Fine grind: Used for espresso or Aeropress. Espresso requires a quick extraction, so a fine grind is essential to pack in as much flavor as possible in a short time.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider buying whole beans and grinding them fresh for each brew. Pre-ground coffee can lose its flavor quickly, so grinding your own beans is an easy way to elevate your coffee routine.
5. Freshness Matters
When it comes to coffee, freshness is everything. The best specialty coffee is enjoyed within a few weeks of roasting, while the flavors are still bright and vibrant. Look for bags that have a clear roast date on them and avoid anything that’s been sitting on the shelf for too long.
Specialty coffee roasters, focus on small-batch roasting to ensure freshness with every order. When your beans are roasted to order, you can be sure that the flavors will be at their peak when they arrive at your door.
While it might be tempting to buy coffee in bulk, you’ll get the best flavors by buying smaller amounts more frequently. That way, you’ll always have fresh beans on hand, and you’ll get to enjoy your coffee the way it was meant to be tasted.
The Brew Coffee: A Taste of Tradition and Quality
When you’re looking for a coffee experience that blends tradition with modern expertise, The Brew Coffee is where it’s at. Founded by a third-generation Colombian coffee grower, we are much more than just a roaster. We embody a deep connection to Colombia’s rich coffee heritage, which we combine with a fresh, small-batch approach to ensure the highest quality in every sip.
With certifications from the Barista Guild of America and the Roasters Guild of America, The Brew Coffee takes pride in offering carefully sourced beans roasted to order, so you always get the freshest coffee possible. From bright, fruity Ethiopian beans to smooth, chocolatey Colombian blends, every batch is a reflection of tradition, quality, and a love for the craft.
If you’re ready to explore the world of specialty coffee, The Brew Coffee is the perfect place to start. Our small-batch roasting guarantees that every cup you brew is as fresh and flavorful as possible. Contact us and check out our selection now to discover how great coffee can taste when it’s made with such passion and expertise.