With over 70 countries across the world that grow coffee – each with unique characteristics – it is clear that a wide range of flavors await to be discovered. From Central and South America to Africa and the Middle East to Southeast Asia, at Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters, we believe that each cup of coffee has its own special story to tell. So, in order to find a cup that best matches your specific taste buds, let’s discuss the difference between "single origin" and "specialty blend" coffee.
What is a single origin coffee?
It doesn't take a coffee enthusiast long to notice the different subtle tasting notes that each coffee offers. But what makes the taste special? It all comes down to where the beans are grown across the world. Single origin coffee comes from one particular region, farm and area. Many times, we compare single origin coffee to an estate wine that is grown on one vineyard. It's the same concept for a single origin coffee. The coffee flavor notes naturally found in the bean (not artificially added) are traceable to each unique location. The factors that determine the flavor of the single origin are determined by factors like the soil the coffee shrub is growing in (which is many times volcanic in origin), the weather or climate each year affecting the crop, the altitude, and the way the beans are ultimately processed.
Why does the origin of the bean matter?
As you sip a cup of coffee, it should encapsulate the essence of the geographical region where it originated. For example, coffee beans from Ethiopia, largely known as the birthplace of coffee, may present a more fruit forward taste. Coffee beans from Sumatra and across Indonesia, are known to present more full-bodied and earthy flavors. Like any crop, the environmental factors, like shade and rainfall that were in play as coffee grew over a harvest season, are crucial determinants of its flavor. Coffee aficionados may find that over time, they favor a specific origin based on the preferred taste they develop. At Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters, no matter where our coffees are sourced from, we try to find the optimal roasting level for each one, highlighting the best flavors that are found in them. This is why many of the roasting levels are already set or limited on our selections.
What is a specialty blend?
Simply put, a specialty blend is a recipe of two or more single-origin beans, mixing the best coffees together to create a more complex, well-balanced, and flavorful coffee. Specialty blends are created to be versatile and can accommodate a variety of preferences. Just like making a recipe for food, specialty blends take a specific percentage of single origin beans to create the blend. For example, our most popular blend, Weight in Gold, is a mixture of Brazil, Ethiopia, and Sumatra single origin beans to take the best of each bean and create a flavorful blend. Where a single origin coffee might not be able to capture just a few tasting notes, by increasing or decreasing the percentage of a particular bean in the blend, the flavor notes of that bean can be highlighted or minimized. For espresso fans, French press lovers, or those who simply enjoy making delicious pour-overs, the possibilities are endless. No matter if you like a light, medium, or dark blend, Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters has you covered with our award-winning specialty blends!
Summary
Both single origin and specialty blend coffees provide unique tastes that should be explored when diving into your coffee experience and developing your personal preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the unique tasting notes of a single origin or the balanced notes of a specialty blend, there is always something to match your taste buds. And remember that there is no wrong way to enjoy your coffee. You are the only one who knows what tastes great to you, so let your taste buds and personal preferences guide the way!
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