Experience a World of Difference.
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. And for many of us, it’s also a non-negotiable part of the day. But if you’ve been sticking to the same old coffee routine, you’re missing out on a world of flavor and adventure. This beginner’s guide to coffee varieties will help you understand what makes different coffees unique!
We’ll dive into two standout examples—Nicaraguan dark roast and Costa Rican light/medium roast—while exploring why buying from a small roastery can elevate your coffee game.
What Are Coffee Varieties?
Think of Coffee Like Wine
Just like wine has different grape varieties, coffee has bean varieties. Each one has unique flavors, aromas, and textures. The way coffee is grown, processed, and roasted also plays a huge role in its final taste.
The two main types of coffee beans you’ll come across are:
- Arabica: Known for its smooth, flavorful, and often sweet characteristics.
- Robusta: Stronger, earthier, and higher in caffeine, but often less refined in flavor.
Most high-quality specialty coffees, like the ones from small roasteries, are made with Arabica beans because of their superior flavor.
Roast Levels Matter
How coffee is roasted affects its flavor just as much as where it’s grown. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Light Roast: Bright, fruity, and floral. Think of it as a gentle introduction to coffee’s natural flavors.
- Medium Roast: A balance of origin flavors and roasted notes. Crowd-pleasing and versatile.
- Dark Roast: Bold, smoky, and rich. This is where you’ll find those chocolatey, nutty flavors that many people love.
Single-Origin vs. Blends
You might’ve seen the term single-origin on a coffee bag and wondered what it means. Single-origin coffee comes from one country, region, or even a single farm. It gives you a pure taste of that place’s unique flavor profile.
Blends, on the other hand, are a mix of beans from different places, designed for a consistent, balanced flavor. Both have their place, but single-origin coffee is like a mini adventure in every cup—it lets you taste the story of where it came from.
Explore Two Standout Coffee Examples
Nicaraguan Dark Roast: Bold and Chocolatey
If you like your coffee rich and comforting, Nicaraguan dark roast is a fantastic choice. Its flavor profile is full-bodied with notes of chocolate, nuts, and sometimes a hint of caramel.
What Makes It Special
Nicaragua’s volcanic soil and high-altitude farms create beans with deep, complex flavors. Many farms are small, family-run operations that put extra care into growing and processing their coffee. At Coffé Amor we bring our Nicaragua beans to an intentional bold dark roast, expanding its flavor profile, without any burnt coffee taste. Shop our dark roasted single origin Nicaragua here.
Costa Rican Light Roast: Bright and Citrusy
Costa Rican light roast offers a completely different experience. It’s vibrant, with citrusy notes and a crisp, clean finish. If you’ve only ever had dark coffee, this is your chance to try something brighter and refreshing.
What Makes It Special
Costa Rica’s commitment to quality coffee is unmatched. The country has laws requiring only high-quality Arabica beans to be grown, ensuring a flavorful cup every time. Regions like Tarrazú are famous for producing beans with lively acidity and sweetness. We rotate between 3 Costa Rica Varieties, Tarrazu, La Rosa, and West Valley. Currently, our Tarrazu variety is a subtly roasted light/medium level with notes of caramel, dark chocolate & lemon! The citrusy notes of lemon help brighten up the brew, adding a crispness to the smooth notes of caramel & chocolate. Shop our Costa Rica variety here.
Brewing Coffee at Home: Keep It Simple
No need for fancy machines or years of experience to brew great coffee at home. Here are three beginner-friendly methods to try:
1. Drip Coffee Maker
- Convenient and consistent.
- Use freshly ground coffee and filtered water for the best flavor.
- Great for brewing a larger pot to share (or not).
2. French Press
- Perfect for beginners and super forgiving.
- Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid a murky cup.
- Adds a full-bodied richness to your brew, making it ideal for dark roasts like Nicaraguan coffee.
- For stronger flavor: Steep for 6–7 minutes
- For milder flavor: Steep for 3–4 minutes
3. Pour-Over (V60)
- A bit more hands-on but totally worth it.
- Best for lighter roasts like Costa Rican beans because it brings out their bright, nuanced flavors.
- A gooseneck kettle helps but isn’t essential.
Why Buy from a Small Roastery?
Freshness You Can Taste
Small roasteries roast coffee in small batches, ensuring it’s as fresh as possible. Unlike store-bought coffee that could’ve been sitting on shelves for months, freshly roasted beans make a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor. We roast to order (RTO) which means your beans are roasted after you place your order, guaranteeing maximum freshness.
Flavor Adventures Await
Buying from a small roastery means access to unique, high-quality beans from around the world. One month you could be sipping on fruity Ethiopian beans, and the next, indulging in chocolatey Nicaraguan roasts. Let us be your tour guide and explore the world with us.
Supporting Communities
Many small roasteries work directly with coffee farmers, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices. When you buy from them, you’re not just getting great coffee—you’re supporting families and communities around the globe. We take it a step further, and support our own local community and donating to specific causes close to our hearts, including Cystic Fibrosis Research, Breast Cancer Research, and Youth Soccer programs.
Tips for Buying Coffee
- Explore: Experiment with different beans and roast levels to find your favorite. Taste them side by side to get a true understanding of the differing coffees.
- Ask for Recommendations: Small roasteries often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you based on your preferences!
Coffee Is an Adventure—Enjoy It
Exploring coffee varieties doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a little curiosity and the right beans, you can transform your morning brew into something extraordinary. Start with a single-origin coffee from Nicaragua or Costa Rica and let the journey begin.
Your coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a story—one you get to taste with every sip. So, grab a bag from your local roastery, fire up your French press or Drip brewer, and enjoy the adventure. Who knows where your next cup will take you?