Single-origin coffees are like adventures for your palate, while blended coffees guarantee consistent enjoyment. Find your personal favorite!
How do you decide between a single-origin coffee , which comes from a single region, and a blended coffee , which blends different beans into a harmonious blend? This article is precisely about that: We want to introduce you to the special features of both types and help you make an informed choice when choosing your next coffee.
What is single-origin coffee?
By the term single-origin, we mean beans that come from a very specific growing region. Sometimes the coffee even comes from a single farm or cooperative. This allows us clear traceability – we can often tell you exactly at what altitude and under what conditions the coffee cherries were grown.
The fascinating thing about a single-origin coffee is its unique personality: Each region, each mountain, and each soil leaves its own mark. While an Ethiopian coffee often surprises with floral and fruity aromas, a Brazilian single-origin coffee often boasts nutty and chocolatey nuances. For us, this is a great opportunity to conjure up the original character of a particular place in your cup.
Advantages and disadvantages
We love single-origin coffees because they delight us every time and often impress with very distinct, regionally typical flavors. At the same time, however, they can sometimes be a bit more demanding when it comes to consistent availability. If a harvest is sold out, it may take until the next year before you can enjoy the exact same coffee again.
So, if you're looking for variety, distinct flavors, and a high level of transparency, a single-origin coffee is highly recommended. However, if you value a consistent cup where you know exactly what to expect, a blended coffee might be a better fit for you—more on that in a moment.
What are coffee blends?
Blended coffee refers to blends of different coffee varieties or origins. Imagine it like the interplay of an orchestra: Each bean contributes its own "voice," and only together do they create a harmonious melody. This allows us at Schön Kaffee to develop a specific flavor profile that is softer, rounder, and, above all, very consistent.
Blends are often very popular, especially in the espresso sector. Mixing different beans can ensure a stable crema, a balanced body, and a pleasant mouthfeel. Blends also offer a certain reliability: Once you've grown fond of a particular blend, you can expect a very similar taste with each new order.
Advantages and disadvantages
With blends, you can rely on a balanced, everyday cup that feels easy to fit into your daily routine. The different beans balance out flavor variations from individual origins—a real plus if you want to enjoy every cup the same way.
However, some coffee fans feel that the original character of individual regions can be somewhat overshadowed by blends. Ultimately, it's simply a matter of personal taste and preference.
Single-Origin vs. Blend: A Brief Comparison
| feature | Single-Origin | Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | A region or farm | Different areas/varieties |
| The taste | Characteristic, typical of the region | Harmonious, balanced |
| Constance | May vary (harvests, vintages) | Consistent taste profile |
The role of the roasting profile
Whether we're roasting a single-origin or a blended coffee , the right roast profile plays a huge role for us at the Schön Kaffee family roastery. A slightly lighter roast brings out fresh and fruity notes—this can be particularly exciting with single-origin coffees, as it emphasizes the regional character. A darker roast brings out more robust, sweet, or even caramelly flavors and gives the coffee a fuller body.
With blends, we may roast individual bean components differently and then combine them to ensure each one showcases its best qualities. Ultimately, it's all down to your personal taste: Feel free to experiment with different roast levels to find out what you like best.
Taste nuances in everyday life
Whether you prefer your coffee black, with milk, or in the form of a creamy cappuccino – in the end, what matters is the well-being and enjoyment. Single-origin coffees are like little taste journeys: You can discover new nuances in every cup and feel a whole lot closer to the growing regions. Blended coffees are like a good friend you can rely on every day because they are simply reliable and always offer the same harmony.
If you're keen to explore different countries and flavors, choose a single-origin coffee. If you want a consistent coffee experience that tastes reliable, choose a blend.
The right choice: What should you pay attention to?
To help you quickly find out whether a single-origin coffee or a blended coffee suits you better, here are a few personal tips:
1. Curiosity and openness:
If you enjoy tasting different regions, single-origin coffees are your best choice. If, on the other hand, you're looking for something that tastes consistent every morning, opt for a blend.
2. Preparation method:
For filter coffee , single-origin coffees often offer delicate, clear aromas. For espresso, blends impress with their stability and full-bodied flavor.
3. Budget and availability:
Single-origin coffee can be a bit more expensive and is sometimes only available in limited quantities. Blended coffee, on the other hand, often offers consistently good value for money.
Sustainability: A topic that is close to our hearts
As a family business, we at Schön Kaffee take great care to ensure that we source our coffee fairly and transparently. This is usually particularly easy to trace with single-origin coffees because they are grown and traded in smaller batches. However, blended coffees can also be sustainable if all components are selected responsibly.
If you'd like to learn more about sustainable coffee cultivation, check out the Rainforest Alliance . World Coffee Research also provides you with current developments. And, of course, the SCA's Specialty Coffee Standards will help you assess quality and standards.
Prepared correctly: A few tips from our roastery
To ensure your coffee turns out the way we imagine it, we have a few tips for you:
Grind size: A well-adjusted grind size often determines the flavor. Ground coffee that's too coarse can quickly taste "watery," while ground coffee that's too fine can taste "bitter."
Water quality: If your tap water is very hard, we recommend a water filter. This will better capture the subtle flavor nuances.
Be patient when brewing: Whether you're using a filter or a portafilter, take your time. Brewing too short can lead to sour notes, while brewing too long can lead to bitter notes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is single-origin coffee automatically of higher quality?
Not necessarily. Blended coffees can also consist of very high-quality beans. However, single-origin coffees usually come from smaller batches that often meet specific quality standards.
Why does my single origin sometimes taste different?
Coffee is a natural product. Climatic conditions such as rain or sun can vary from harvest to harvest. This sometimes leads to subtle variations in flavor—precisely what makes it so exciting.
Can I drink a single-origin coffee with milk?
Of course! Although many subtle nuances can be somewhat muted when combined with milk. If you want to taste the purest flavor, try it black first.
What do I do if a coffee is too sour or too bitter?
Feel free to play around with the grind or brewing time. A finer grind often results in more intensity, while a shorter brewing time reduces acidity. Feel free to contact us directly; we'll be happy to help you with some tips.
Current trends in the coffee world
A tremendous amount has happened in the coffee sector in recent years. From traditional Italian roasts to so-called "third-wave coffees," the variety has grown enormously. Micro-roasteries are experimenting with innovative roasting profiles and processing methods like anaerobic fermentation . The result: an increasing number of exciting single-origin coffees and creative blends that cater to the entire flavor spectrum.
Conclusion: Single-Origin Coffee or Blend Coffee?
Our answer? Ideally, both! Single-origin coffees take you on a journey of aroma, while blended coffees offer reliability and balance. Try different varieties and blends. If you'd like to discover something new, check out our new coffees section or treat yourself to a coffee subscription . If you have any questions or specific requests, please contact us via our contact page . We look forward to finding your new favorite bean together with you!
