How to decide which coffee to order
Choosing the right whole bean specialty coffee can seem daunting, especially for beginners. At Noted Coffee Roasters we seek to meet you where you are at and help you find the coffee that is just right for you. We offer a range of options that cater to various preferences and brewing methods. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Choosing a coffee based on roast degree (how light or dark the coffee is)
- Light Roast:
- Characteristics: Generally fruity, floral, and acidic (for acidic think tanginess or tartness, like a lemony zip at the end of the cup). This is where you may identify more fruit and tea-like flavors and have less of a roast/smoky taste. Light roast coffees generally have less body and are slightly less balanced than medium roast coffees but highlight the unique characteristics of the particular coffee bean the most. Usually is a shorter flavor burst, with less lingering tastes after each sip.
- Ideal For: People who enjoy complex flavors and bright acidity. Tea lovers. Great for pour-over and AeroPress methods. Can also make for a really unique cold brew.
- Not Ideal For: Fast brewing methods such a Keurig or some Bunn electric drip makers. People who are looking for earthiness and smokiness in their cup of coffee. Beginners who want something comparable to a typical cup of coffee.
- Coffees that are light roasted: Kenya, Ethiopia, Peru
- Medium Roast:
- Characteristics: Balanced, with a mix of acidity and body. Flavors like chocolate covered cherry can come out in this roast degree. Keeps the flavors and characteristic of the coffee origin (this is the innate flavor qualities of the coffee bean based on where it was grown and what coffee variety it is) but also includes some of the tones from roasting. Some medium roasts can mask certain subtle qualities found in a light roast, while others can further highlight them. Medium roasts can highlight sweetness, or translate a gentle fruity or floral bean (think white wine) into a full bodied experience (think red wine). If you are unsure where to start, medium roast is usually a safe bet.
- Ideal For: Those who want a balanced cup. Versatile and works well with most brewing methods.
- Coffees that are medium roasted: Guatemala, Rwanda, Noted Espresso
- Dark Roast:
- Characteristics: Bold, rich, and often with chocolatey or smoky tones. Dark roasts usually leave the most lingering taste after each sip of coffee, for example Sumatra wet-hulled coffee which is known for leaving a smoky aftertaste. Can mask some of the innate qualities of the bean, so dark roasts must be chosen and roasted with care in order to accentuate the coffee and not mask all the good qualities (this is one thing that sets Noted Coffee apart from most other coffee roasters).
- Ideal For: Fans of strong, bold coffee. Beginners and those looking for coffee that tastes like coffee. Safe bet for espresso machines and French press brewing. Those who plan to add things such as creamer or a sweetener to their coffee (try it black though first! You’ll be surprised how tasty Noted Coffee Roasters coffee is compared to the run of the mill stuff. But no judgement if you still choose to add to it!)
- Coffees that are dark roasted: Sumatra, Grafton Blend, Decaf Peru
Choosing a coffee based on coffee origin
A coffee’s origin is the particular location that it was grown (generally named by country, sometimes specific to a particular farm or cooperative). Certain coffee origins tend to result in particular flavor profiles, though the rigidity of this assumption has been breaking down over the past 10-20 years.
- Single Origin:
- Source: Coffee beans from a specific region or farm.
- Flavors: Unique characteristics that reflect the that particular location. Expect a wide variety of flavors based on the region.
- Example Regions: Ethiopia (floral and fruity notes, sometimes very bold flavors such as blueberry or strawberry), Guatemala (smooth and balanced with nutty and chocolatey undertones).
- Blends:
- Source: A mixture of beans from different regions blended intentionally by the roaster to result in a particular balance of flavors.
- Flavors: Harmonized flavors designed to create a consistent profile.
- Ideal For: Those looking for a dependable and balanced coffee experience. Espresso.
Match Coffee to Your Brewing Method
- Pour-Over:
- Recommended Roast: Any
- Tip: Allows for a precise and controlled extraction, highlighting the nuanced flavors of lighter roasts and single origins, while bringing out the high and middle notes of dark roasts and blends. If you have the time, I personally think this results in the best cup. Check out my article on brewing via Hario v60 pour-over for more information.
- French Press:
- Recommended Roast: Medium to dark.
- Tip: Use coarser grounds to enhance the rich body and robust flavors. Dark and medium roasts work well here.
- Espresso:
- Recommended Roast: Medium to dark.
- Tip: Use beans specifically labeled for espresso to achieve the right balance of acidity and body for the concentrated shot.
- Drip Coffee Maker:
- Recommended Roast: Medium to dark.
- Tip: Consistent and easy to brew, making it a great choice for balanced blends. This is a good starting point for beginners.
- AeroPress:
- Recommended Roast: Light to medium.
- Tip: Versatile brewing method that can adapt to various roasts depending on your preference.
- Keurig:
- I don’t recommend using this brewing method for any coffee even for beginners. It results in a watery cup that masks all of the flavors. Opt for an electric drip maker if you want to avoid a manual brewing method.
To sum it up
- Identify Your Flavor Preferences:
- If you prefer brighter, fruity flavors, opt for a light roast single origin from regions like Ethiopia and Kenya.
- For a balanced cup, choose a medium roast, a dark roast, or a blend.
- If you love bold, intense flavors, go for a dark roast like Sumatra
- Consider the Brewing Method:
- Select a coffee that complements your preferred brewing method for the best results.
- Try a Variety:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Noted Coffee Roasters often offers coffee sampler packs—perfect for trying different roast levels and origins to find your favorite.
By understanding roast degrees, coffee origin, and matching coffee to your brewing method, you can make a more informed choice when selecting whole bean specialty coffee from Noted Coffee Roasters. If you still would like more information before making a decision feel free to reach out!