Coffee Blend vs Single Origin

Specialty coffee is currently the biggest player in the coffee industry. Within specialty coffee, there are two main varieties: single origins and coffee blends. Because certain varieties can veer onto the bitter end of the flavour spectrum while others are extremely sweet and watery, we use a method of blending coffee beans for the best possible flavour profile combination in coffee blends.

Coffee blends balance out flavours and acidity with different beans that complement each other. Single-origin coffees have the most original and unaltered flavour profile. They have a bolder, exotic coffee taste. These are, as the name suggests, coffee beans sourced from one specific region. We offer Brazil Bourbon, Colombia Caturra, Central America Typica, and Ethiopia Heirloom.

 

All About Single Origin Coffee

Single-origin coffee means the coffee beans have been sourced from one specific place. Among all the different countries and regions to source coffee from, the beans have either been sourced from one particular country or region and have not been combined with other coffees from different regions.

Because single-origin coffee only comes from one place, these coffees tend to be seasonal. The aroma, acidity, and flavours tend to be more pronounced than coffee blends, allowing you to taste a region’s coffee in its purest form. Their taste is more exotic, bold, and robust. If you were looking for more apple-like acidity, you would look for a single-origin coffee sourced from Kenya.

 

All About Coffee Blends

Coffee blends are by the far most popularly consumed type of coffee. Coffee roasters can create smooth and complex flavour profiles that would otherwise be rare or nonexistent by combining complementary flavours from different regions. When you order a coffee at the coffee shop, it’s most likely a coffee blend.

The taste is more consistent because they are mixed and produced in larger batches. Mocha Java is said to be the world’s oldest coffee blend, which combines Arabian Mocha coffee with Indonesian Java Arabica coffee. The combination of Mocha with Java is a match made in heaven, creating a complex, yet a well-balanced cup of coffee with notes of chocolate.

 

Black or Milk Based Coffee

Single-origin coffee is desirable for its purity and quality, making it ideal for a cup of black coffee, but less so for adding milk. Adding milk to these coffees will take away from the subtle nuances present in a single-origin coffee.

While a single-origin coffee will still taste good if you add milk, keep in mind that milk masks flavour. Since blended coffees have hand-selected specific single-origin coffee beans that will produce a harmonious, well-balanced cup of coffee, milk is much more suitable.

Coffee blends have a less pronounced flavour in comparison to single origins so they’re not the most desirable as black coffees. Producers have milk-based drinks in mind when crafting blended coffees, knowing that is what most consumers of blended coffees are looking for.

How to Choose the Right One For You

It should go without saying that coffee taste is always up to personal preference. However, consider these factors. 

You may be interested in a single-origin coffee if:

• You like comparing the unique characteristics of coffees from around the world and identifying their nuances
• You're curious about vibrant coffee flavours

Coffee blends might be right for you if:

• You're searching for a well-rounded and consistent coffee variety that you can reliably enjoy for a long time
• You are new to coffee brewing and are searching for something more approachable

You can find information on our single-origin Brazilian, Colombian, Central American, or Ethiopian coffee beans here. If you’re more of a lover of coffee blends, try out Breeze Aroma, Zephyr Plum, or Hurricane Berry blends. We offer single-origin coffee in espresso or filter coffee.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing blends or single-origin coffee, the best method of decision is taste. By tasting coffee, you can identify if you even care for the subtle notes that a single-origin coffee can offer or if your taste buds long for a more balanced cuppa.