8 Specialty Coffees Every Coffee Lover Should Try

You've probably heard names like 'Blue Mountain' or 'Cuban Crystal Mountain' tossed around in coffee shops, but what do they really taste like — and which ones are worth seeking out? Whether you're deep into single origins or just love trying something different, there are classic coffees with distinct characters you might not have tried yet.

There are at least eight globally recognised specialty-style or culturally significant coffees mentioned in this guide — from Jamaica and Cuba to Colombia and Vienna — each with unique flavour profiles, brewing styles, or historical backgrounds worth knowing.

What Is Cuban Coffee & Why Is It Special?

Cuban coffee is best represented by the well-known Cubita from the country’s Crystal Mountain (Cristal) region. This mountain range lies close to Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, sharing similar altitude and climate conditions, which is why Cuban Crystal Mountain coffee is often compared to — and considered comparable to — Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Known for its balance and refined profile, Cubita became the official coffee of the Cuban Embassy, and is often described as having a distinct Caribbean flavour.

What Makes Blue Mountain Coffee So Famous?

Blue Mountain coffee, grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, is celebrated for its perfectly balanced profile: acidity, sweetness, and bitterness are all finely harmonised. It has a rich aroma and excellent cup quality, making it ideal as a single origin coffee. It is typically roasted to a medium level to preserve its delicate characteristics.

Colombian Coffee That Stands Apart

Among Colombia’s many distinguished coffees, Suamox (or Supremo) stands out with a unique fragrance and a memorable bitter-sweet taste. In addition, beans from regions like Coatepec, Huatusco, and Orizaba in Mexico offer comfortable mouthfeels and enchanting aromatic profiles, often overlooked in global markets but highly regarded for their approachable cup quality.

European Coffee Traditions: More Than Just Espresso

Beyond the espresso, Europe has refined coffee preparations with unique cultural roots:

• Melange: A 50/50 mix of black coffee and hot milk, sometimes with added cream, served in a large coffee cup — this is the original Viennese blend dating back to the 17th century Turkish siege.
• Viennese Ice Coffee (Wiener Eiskaffee): Served in a tall, narrow glass, it combines cold coffee, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream, with sugar adjusted to taste.
• Einspänner: Similar to a strong coffee, it is topped with whipped cream and sugar to preference — a simple yet iconic preparation.

The Bold Profile of South American Mandheling

Colombian Mandheling (note: typically Mandheling refers to Indonesian beans, but here it refers to a Colombian coffee with Mandheling-like qualities) offers a rich, full-bodied cup with a pleasing acidity. It has a fragrant aroma, moderate acidity, and layers of sweetness, making it ideal for dark roasts. When deeply roasted, it develops a strong fragrance and complex depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cuban coffee and where does it come from?

Cuban coffee is primarily represented by the Cubita brand from Cuba’s Crystal Mountain region. It is known for its balanced flavour and is considered comparable to Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee due to similar growing conditions. It became the official coffee of the Cuban Embassy and is described as having a unique Caribbean taste.

What makes Blue Mountain coffee different from other coffees?

Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica is famed for its balanced flavour where acidity, sweetness, and bitterness are perfectly harmonised. It has a rich aroma and is best brewed as a single origin coffee using a medium roast to preserve its delicate qualities.

Are there notable Colombian coffee varieties besides Blue Mountain?

Yes, Colombian Supremo from the Suamox region has a unique fragrance and sweet-bitter taste. Mexican coffees from Coatepec, Huatusco, and Orizaba are also noted for their comfortable mouthfeel and appealing aromas, though they are less internationally prominent.

What is Melange coffee and where does it originate?

Melange is a traditional Viennese coffee made with equal parts black coffee and hot milk, sometimes with added cream. It is served in a large cup and has historical roots in the 17th-century Turkish siege of Vienna.

What is Einspänner coffee?

Einspänner is a strong coffee topped with whipped cream, often sweetened to taste. It is a simple, classic preparation associated with European coffee traditions.

Is Colombian Mandheling coffee the same as Indonesian Mandheling?

No, in this article, 'Colombian Mandheling' refers to a Colombian coffee with characteristics similar to the full-bodied, acidic, and sweet profile typical of Indonesian Mandheling beans, but it is not the same origin.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Single Origins

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright floral and fruity notes — a great example of a high-quality single origin like those compared to Cuban and Blue Mountain coffees. For something more chocolatey and balanced, their Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon) offers nutty sweetness with a smooth profile, ideal for exploring medium-dark roast flavours. Finally, their Lintong Mandheling showcases the earthy, full-bodied style often associated with classic Mandheling-type cups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.