Single origin or blend - what's the difference and which type of coffee to choose?

The world of coffee is much more than a choice between Arabica and Robusta. One of the key divisions that determines flavour and aroma is the distinguishing between single origin and blended coffees. Both variants have something unique to offer. They also have a following of dedicated fans. What is the difference between single origin and blend coffee? Which type should you choose? We explain.

Single origin - what sets this coffee apart?

If you want to explore the nuances of flavour and see exactly what is different about the coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia or Panama - single origin will be a great choice. Because it is coffee that comes from one specific place. Single origin means beans from a single country, region, farm or even plantation plot. Understanding the term single origin also includes homogeneity of botanical varieties and bean processing methods.

Such coffees are treated like... wine from a specific vineyard. They reflect the unique characteristics of climate, soil and altitude. All these factors influence the taste of the beans and ultimately your coffee experience.

Here are some characteristics of single origin coffee:

• High quality and transparency of origin.
• Ideal for brewing with alternative methods.
• A distinct, often fruity or floral flavour profile.
• It is a seasonal product.

It works great with alternative brewing methods such as drip, chemex and aeropress. It is also a great coffee for the coffee machine. An espresso machine (e.g. pressurised) allows you to quickly and precisely extract a depth of flavour that is easily tailored to your own tastes.

Are you looking for a place with high-quality single origin coffees? Such products in its offer has a good coffee roasting plant in Warsawsuch as our Story Coffee Roasters. We carefully select speciality beans and take care of every stage of production to ensure the best is always in your cup.

Blend coffees - magic blend or compromise?

Blends are mixtures of beans from different regions or countries. This type of coffee blending aims to create a balanced flavour profile. Such compositions work well both in cafés and in home espresso machines - especially in milk coffees such as cappuccino or flat white.

What do you need to know about blend coffee?

First of all, it is worth dispelling the myth that blends are 'inferior' coffee. Yes, in the past they often used cheaper, lower quality beans. However, today, good coffee roasters approach blends with great care - creating thoughtful, complex and perfectly balanced compositions. No wonder, then, that it is the most frequently chosen coffee for a gift set.

No seasonal dramas - Blend keeps level

The great advantage of blends is their repeatability - regardless of the season, the flavour profile remains stable. By being able to slightly modify the composition, roasters can maintain the desired flavour throughout the year. This is a key difference to single origin coffees, which are by definition seasonal products.

W Story Coffee Roasters we create our own proprietary blends, based on years of experience, testing and knowledge of how grains behave during the firing and extraction process. As a result, you will find quality, repeatability and fullness of flavour in every cup.

Single origin or blend? Which coffee has more to say?

These coffees differ not only in their flavour profile, but also in their intensity.

• Single origin - Their taste often surprises. This type of coffee is dominated by acidity, floral and fruity notes. They are subtle, sometimes slightly citrusy. Single origin coffees are challenging and unconventional, which connoisseurs will appreciate most.
• Blend - have a more balanced, less acidic flavour. It's a sure bet among coffees, with a pronounced sweetness and a chocolate and nutty aftertaste. To enhance the intensity of the milky coffees, Robusta beans are added to the blend.

Is one of them better? No! It all depends on what you are looking for in a coffee. A well-prepared coffee beans A blend of high quality grains can be just as interesting as the most unique single origin. At the end of the day, it's all about taste - and what hits your fancy.

Your coffee, your rules

The choice of coffee bean should depend primarily on our taste preferences. It is therefore difficult to say, which type of coffee is betterbecause everyone has completely different preferences. Whether you opt for single origin or blend, pay attention to the quality of the roast and the origin of the beans when buying.

Buy your coffee from a trusted source - preferably from a proven artisan roaster such as ours Coffee roasting plant Warsaw Story Coffee Roasters. Such places roast in small batches, so the coffee is always fresh and full of flavour.