Specialty Coffee Beans
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
How the Name 'Mandheling' Coffee Really Came About
The name 'Mandheling' coffee doesn't refer to a place — it's a misheard ethnic group name. Here's the true wartime origin story.
Arabica vs Robusta Coffee: Key Differences Explained
Learn how Arabica and Robusta coffee beans differ in growing conditions, flavor, price, and use — and why '100% Arabica' isn't always better.
The History of Coffee in China: From Taiwan to Yunnan
Learn how coffee came to China, from its 1884 Taiwan introduction to Yunnan’s rise as China’s coffee heartland by 1995.
What Is Yemeni Mocha Coffee? The World’s Oldest Specialty Bean
Yemeni Mocha is the world’s oldest cultivated coffee, known for its bold acidity, chocolatey depth, and spicy kick. Learn its history and flavor profile.
The Origins of Kopi Luwak: World’s Most Expensive Coffee
Learn how civet coffee—made from beans eaten and excreted by palm civets—is processed, priced, and perceived in specialty coffee.
The Century-Old Coffee Trees of Yunnan’s Zhukula Village
Explore how 100-year-old Typica coffee trees in Yunnan’s remote Zhukula village became China’s living coffee heritage.
When Did Coffee First Arrive in China? Tracing Yunnan’s Origins
The first documented coffee planting in China dates back to 1908 in Yunnan’s Dehong Prefecture—but evidence suggests it may be even earlier.
Coffee Plant Biology: Arabica vs Robusta and Beyond
Learn which coffee species dominate global production and how five official coffee varieties differ in origin, climate needs, and cup profile.
What Makes Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee So Special?
Learn why Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is famed worldwide, from its unique high-elevation growing conditions to strict certification standards.
Understanding Coffee Varieties: Arabica vs Robusta
Learn the key differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, including growing conditions, flavor profiles, and why most specialty coffee comes from Arabica.
What Is Mandheling Coffee and Where Does It Come From?
Learn how Mandheling coffee, especially the famed PWN Golden Mandheling, developed its rich, earthy profile through Indonesia’s unique wet-hulling process.
When Do Yunnan Coffee Trees Bloom?
Yunnan’s Typica coffee flowers bloom between February and July, peaking in March to May, with fruit taking 8–10 months to ripen.
What Is Hawaiian Kona Coffee? Flavor & Origin Guide
Hawaiian Kona coffee offers smooth, rich flavor with nutty aromas and bright acidity. Grown on volcanic slopes, it’s the only US-grown specialty coffee.
Ecuador’s Highest Arabica Coffee Plantations
Ecuador’s high-altitude coffee farms, especially those in the Galápagos Islands, have produced some of the world’s most sought-after beans since 1875.
What Is Mandheling Coffee and Why Does It Taste Unique?
Mandheling coffee comes from Sumatra’s high-elevation regions, processed via wet hulling. Discover its origins, flavor traits, and what makes PWN Golden Mandheling stand out.
What Is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee?
Learn what makes Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee so special — from its strict origin rules to its balanced flavor profile and elite status.
What Makes Hawaiian Kona Coffee So Special?
Hawaiian Kona coffee is known for its perfect fruit appearance and premium cup. Learn what sets it apart and where it comes from.
What You Should Know About Yunnan Coffee Beans
Explore the origins, flavors, challenges, and potential of Yunnan-grown coffee, a rising player in the specialty coffee world.
Yunnan Coffee Varieties: Typica, Bourbon, and Catimor
Yunnan grows mainly Catimor, with some Typica and Bourbon. Learn which varieties dominate, their traits, and why Catimor leads production.
Guatemala’s Eight Coffee Regions and Their Flavor Profiles
Explore the distinct flavor profiles of Guatemala’s eight major coffee-growing regions, from Antigua’s elegance to San Marcos’ floral brightness.