Which Coffee should I buy?
When it comes to choosing coffee, the vast array sometimes seems a bit overwhelming. So here is a quick guide to lead you in the right direction and help you pick a coffee that suits your brewing method and taste preference.
First off, ask yourself the following questions:
- Which coffee preparation or method am I using? For which method do I want to buy coffee?
- What kind of flavours do I like? Which flavours am I looking for in the coffee?
As soon as you are clear on your method and preferences, you're good to go.
We recommend Filter Roasts for the following methods:
- Classic Filter like Melitta, Batch Brews, V60
- French Press
- AeroPress
- Clever Dripper
- Cold Brew
We recommend Espresso Roasts for the following methods:
- Espresso
- Stove Top Methods like Moka Pot or Bialetti
- Fully Automatic (Bean to Cup) Machines
By now you will have narrowed down the selection and can move on to which flavour profile you're looking for.
- Are you looking for a coffee with a "coffee" flavour, i. e. not a distinct flavour profile?
=> A blend (consisting of several coffees) might be what you're looking for
- Are you looking for low acidity and chocolatey, nutty flavour profile?
=> Head for a lower grown coffee, maybe a Brazil
- Are you looking for lower acidity and a bit fruity flavour profile?
=> Check out a honey processed coffee, Costa Rica has very tasty ones
- Are you looking for lower acidity and fruity flavour profile (think funky tropical fruits)?
=> Try a natural processed coffee from Ethiopia or Central America
- Are you looking for medium acidity and a big body with a chocolatey flavour profile?
=> A higher grown, washed Central American Coffee might be for you, like Guatemala or Nicaragua
- Are you looking for high acidity, elegant body and floral flavours?
=> Washed Ethiopian coffees are known for these qualities
- Are you looking for a punchy coffee with complex acidity and berry flavours?
=> Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi are for you - and also some Colombia
- Are you looking for lots of sweetness, florals and tropical fruits?
=> A Gesha is a pricey pick but seldom dissapoints
So now it should be much easier to navigate the sea of coffee offerings... But wait - there might be one or two questions that might pop up:
- What if the packaging doesn't say if it's a Filter or Espresso Roast?
=> Ask the roaster for which preparation the coffee is best suited
- What's an "Omniroast"?
=> Some roasters don't roast different profiles for Espresso or Filter but consider it best to roast the respective beans to their best development and to leave it to the consumer to chose the preparation method.
This is a question of roasting philosophy and you should be aware that as an espresso the coffee might be high on the acidity and as a filter rather on the well developed side.
The most important thing of all is though: Tastes are different and hence there is no right and no wrong. It all depends on what you like. But it may take some time and some exploring to figure out what you like best. To make remembering coffees easier you might want to keep a booklet or diary of tasted coffees. This way you will have a reference for further coffee adventures.
Luckily (and most of the time), you are not spending a fortune on coffee so don't hesitate to try new things!
