Which coffee beans are the best? It's a question we frequently receive, and as you can imagine, there's no simple answer.
If you're seeking to understand which coffee beans are considered the best based on a grading scale, those that deliver maximum complexity and acidity typically receive the highest grades. Coffees grown at extremely high altitudes in volcanic-rich soil generally produce these types of coffee cherries. You may have come across news articles highlighting coffees being sold on the market for hundreds of dollars per pound. These are often coffees submitted to competitions and auctions like the Cup of Excellence, where they undergo blind tasting and are assigned a score. This score usually directly correlates with the auction price of the coffee.
Countries such as Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Panama consistently produce the highest-graded auction lot coffees annually. Most of the world's highest-graded coffee ends up in the hands of buyers in the Middle East and Asia. Purchasing and brewing these coffees can also be seen as a status symbol.
The funny part? Almost always, these coffees produce flavor notes not commonly associated with coffee. Complex acidity, heavy fruit notes, and delicate floral aroma frequently present themselves in these coffees.
The question of which coffee beans are the best ultimately lies with you, the coffee drinker. What one person perceives as delicious may be entirely different for another coffee drinker. We are often asked why our portfolio is more expansive compared to other roasters.
The answer is quite simple. Each coffee we meticulously source and roast has its own unique characteristics, appealing to a diverse community of coffee lovers.
We encourage you to explore the beautiful world of coffee to discover the one you love the most.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about selecting a coffee for brewing at home.