Welcome to Coffee Beans Perth, your go-to source for delicious and high-quality coffee beans! If you're a coffee lover, you know that choosing the perfect beans can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options and factors to consider! But don't worry; we've got your back. We've put together this guide to help you navigate the world of coffee beans and find the perfect cup for you.
First things first, what are coffee beans?
Coffee “beans” are actually the seeds of the fruit of Coffea plants that grow on plantations throughout the world. These plants produce beans that can be used to make coffee. Each type of bean has its own unique characteristics that affect how it tastes in your cup—which is why knowing what kind of bean suits you best is so important!
We’re not going to lie to you, the world of coffee is vast, and even seasoned coffee professionals don’t know it all!
Coffee is like a fine wine, in that it's delicious and best paired with a cheese plate.
Just kidding! Coffee is actually more like a fine wine in that it's (still) delicious, complex, and best drunk when you’re reaching the end of your tether.
But seriously: coffee is an incredibly nuanced beverage. For the average coffee enthusiast, like wine, you can't just taste coffee beans and know everything about them—you have to understand their origin, the soil they were grown in, the way they were processed, and more. And even then, you might not be an expert on coffee beans. But you can still appreciate the complexity of what makes up this delicious beverage.
That's why the best coffee comes from roasters who use only the highest quality beans—it takes skill to find the right one for your palate.
And just like wine, you can't just drink any old brew and expect it to be delicious! But don't worry: we've done all the legwork for you so you'll never have to drink bad coffee again!
We can’t teach you everything in one go, but we hope the list below will give you a good idea of what to look for and make you seem like an absolute pro when you’re throwing words like “altitude” and “flavour profile” into conversation.
So, without further adieu, below are our “Top 5 coffee factors”:
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Origin and Variety
The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are generally known for their sweet and fruity flavours, while Robusta beans have a stronger and more robust flavour - duh! Arabica beans are typically considered to be of higher quality and are generally more expensive. However, many blends use a combination of both types of beans to create a balance of flavours. Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes and are more delicate in taste and aroma compared to Robusta beans, which are grown at lower altitudes and are typically more bitter and have more caffeine.
In specialty coffee, we tend to think Arabica is where it’s at! Different varietals of Arabica beans can have vastly different flavours. Common varietals include Bourbon, Typica, Caturra and Geisha. Many countries tend to favour growing a particular varietal, but it's not uncommon to see some varietals transplanted into different growing regions. For example, the Geisha varietal is one of the most sought after in the world, known for its saturated sweetness, clarity, and vibrant, fruity flavours.
Let’s talk about origin!
Coffee beans are grown in many regions around the world, each with its own unique microclimate and terroir. Knowing where your beans are grown can give you a better idea of what flavours to expect. We carefully select beans from the best regions, such as Central and South America, Africa, and others, to ensure that we are bringing the best quality and flavours to our customers. Common coffee regions include Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, each known for their unique flavour profiles. For example, Colombian coffee is known for its smooth and well-balanced flavour, Ethiopian coffee for its complex and fruity notes, and Guatemalan coffee for its chocolate and nutty undertones.
Alongside origin, the altitude at which the beans are grown can also affect the flavour of the coffee. Beans grown at higher altitudes tend to have a unique taste and a smooth finish. The higher altitude slows down the growth of the beans which allows them to develop a more complex and nuanced flavour.
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Processing
The way the beans are processed can also greatly affect the taste of the coffee. Wet and dry processing are the most common methods used. Wet processing involves removing the outer layers of the coffee cherry before the beans are dried, which can produce a sweeter and cleaner flavour, with bright acidity. Dry processing involves leaving the outer layers on the beans and drying them in the sun, which can produce a more fruity and complex flavour.
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Blend or Single Origin
You can choose to buy a blend of different beans from different regions, or a single origin bean from a specific region. Each option has its own unique flavour profile, and it's all a matter of personal preference. We offer both blends and single origin beans, such as Colombian, Kenyan, or Ethiopian single origins, or our signature blends that have been carefully curated to create a balanced and delicious brew!
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Roast Profile
You know how sometimes you're just in the mood for a nice, strong cup of coffee? And then other times you want something light and fruity? Well, that's where your preference for brewing method and roast profile comes in.
The easiest way to explain the profile is by using two different types of roasts: an espresso roast and a filter roast. An espresso roast will be darker in colour, with more caramel flavours and body than its counterpart. This type of roast will give you more concentrated flavours with more bitterness. It's perfect for being brewed on an espresso machine!
A filter roast will be lighter in colour, with less caramelization and body than an espresso roast—meaning it has less bite and bitterness when brewed manually via a pour-over or immersion brewer like an Aeropress. You'll get more floral notes from this kind of roast.
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Freshness
Freshly roasted beans are key to a great cup of coffee. Although coffee will never go “off” per se, the longer the beans sit on a shelf, the more their flavour and aroma will degrade, so it's important to choose beans that have been recently roasted. Always check the roast date, and our rule of thumb is, the fresher the better!
By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect coffee beans for your taste. And remember, at Coffee Beans Perth, we only source the best beans from the best regions, ensuring that you always get the freshest and most delicious coffee. Remember, if all else fails, just close your eyes, take a sip and let the coffee do the talking. Happy sipping!