Single Origins VS Blends: What’s the difference?

In the world of specialty coffee, two terms that frequently pop up are “Blends” and “Single Origin.” While they might appear self-explanatory at first glance, there’s more than meets the eye. Let’s delve into what distinguishes these two categories.

 

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Single Origin

 

Single Origin coffees, as the name suggests, hail from a single region, and at times, a single farm. To illustrate, consider our Don Mayo Los Nacientes, a Costa Rican coffee lovingly nurtured by our close friends, the Bonillas. This coffee emerges from the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica, or to be even more specific, the micro region of San Marcos. The remarkable thing about this coffee is its traceability. However, not all single origins offer such a detailed story. In some cases, single origins may encompass coffees from the same country, offering a broader, though still loosely defined criteria.

 

 

Blends

 

Blends, on the other hand, involve a combination of coffee beans from two or more different regions. While this might seem counterintuitive, there’s a compelling reason behind this practice. Blends create a canvas for crafting unique flavor profiles that are challenging to achieve with single origin coffees alone. Take, for instance, our Harvest blend, which harmoniously unites coffees from Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. Each of these components brings its distinct attributes to the table, contributing to the blend’s one-of-a-kind flavor, mouthfeel, and texture.

 

 

So, the next time you’re exploring the world of specialty coffee, keep an eye out for these two terms: Single Origin and Blends. They may seem simple, but they carry a world of flavor and history within their names, inviting you to embark on a delightful journey of coffee exploration. Whether you opt for the singular character of a single origin or the complex symphony of a blend, one thing is certain: coffee is an art, and there’s an adventure to be discovered in every cup.