Specialty Coffee Beans
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
What Makes Sumatran Mandheling Coffee Unique?
Discover why Sumatran Mandheling coffee tastes bold, earthy, and low in acid—with herbal, spicy, and chocolatey notes that define Indonesian specialty coffee.
Blue Mountain vs Mocha vs Mandheling Coffee Beans
Discover the key differences between Jamaica Blue Mountain, Yemen Mocha, and Sumatra Mandheling coffee beans, from origin to flavor.
Ethiopian Coffee Bean Grading System Explained
Learn how Ethiopia grades its auction coffee, why Grade 2 isn’t always premium, and what really defines quality in Ethiopian parchment coffee.
How to Hand Sort and Grade Green Coffee Beans
Learn why uniformity in size, color, and shape matters when hand-selecting green coffee beans, and how to remove defects for better roasting and flavor.
Coffee Grading Explained: Why It’s Important But Not Everything
Learn how coffee is graded by size, defects, altitude, and more — and why testing still matters more than any score.
Major Coffee Bean Brands and Origins Explained
Discover top global coffee-growing regions like Brazil, Colombia, and Central America, their leading bean types, flavors, and ideal roast levels.
French Press for Single Origin or Specialty Coffee Drinks?
Yes, a French press works for both single origin and milk-based drinks—but with caveats. Here’s how to get the best results.
Flavor Profiles of Common Coffee Bean Varieties
Explore the distinct flavor, acidity, and roast suitability of 13 widely used coffee beans, from Brazil Santos to Kenyan-style Guatemalan varieties.
What Is Single Origin Coffee and Its Types
Single origin coffee is made from beans sourced from one place. Learn what defines it, explore top varieties like Colombian and Jamaican Blue Mountain, and see how origin shapes flavor.
Eight Classic Coffee Types Explained Including Blue Mountain
Explore eight legendary coffee origins like Jamaica Blue Mountain, Colombian, and Hawaiian Kona, with key flavor profiles and production facts.
Most Common Coffee Types in North American Cafés
Learn the 8 most popular coffee drinks in North America, from espresso to Irish coffee, with key details on each.
Guide to Classic Coffee Types with Visual Charts
See two visual charts explaining classic coffee types—helping you quickly choose the right brew for your taste preferences.
Costa Rica Coffee: Origins, Regions and Processing Methods
Explore Costa Rica’s high-altitude coffee farms, famous for honey processes and vibrant acidity. Learn why its beans stand out globally.
What Makes Costa Rica Tarrazu SHB Coffee So Special?
Discover why Costa Rica Tarrazu SHB coffee is prized for its bright acidity, clean sweetness, and smooth body — and how it’s processed.
What 'The Specialty Coffee Bible' Taught This Beginner
A rookie’s honest take on learning specialty coffee from Han’s two-volume guide—where it began, how it evolved, and why third wave matters.
How to Tell Specialty Coffee From Commercial Coffee
Specialty coffee is defined by origin, traceability, and farmer welfare—not just better taste. Learn the 3 key differences from mass-market beans.
5 Ways to Brew Coffee: Methods and Flavor Impact
Learn how 5 brewing methods—from immersion to espresso—affect coffee flavor. Includes grind, time, temp, and extraction details for each.
What Is Coffee Extraction? The Science Behind a Cup
A cup of coffee is water dissolving 30% of soluble compounds from ground coffee. Find out how extraction shapes flavor and balance.
Single Origin Coffee: The Essential Extraction Methods
Explore the main brewing devices for single origin coffee, including pour-over, siphon, moka pot, French press, and more, with equipment specs and usage details.
What Is Brew Ratio in Coffee? Water to Coffee Powder Explained
Brew ratio means coffee powder to water by mass or volume. Learn why it’s called 'powder-to-water' and how SCAA defines the ideal range.