Single Source vs. Blended Coffee: What's the Difference?

Coffee drinkers often ask "what's the difference between single source & blended coffees and does it really matter." The answer is there is a significant taste difference between the two and it only matters if you have the right quality of beans!

Coffee is one of the most diverse beverages in the entire world. It is grown everywhere from Brazil to Kenya and everywhere in between. Regional coffee derives its unique flavor based on the soil, climate, altitude, farming and roasting methods. And even within regional coffees there are taste differences. Two farms in Costa Rica can produce the exact same bean species but the end result is dependent on all of the variables listed above.

Coffee drinkers will notice the difference between the mild Blue Mountain Jamaican brew and the more tart Kenyan brew. Single source coffees offer up a variety of tastes that most coffee drinkers never think to experience.

Why is this you may ask? Because most people have become conditioned to drinking darkly blended coffees offered from store brands and coffee stores! So the next question is why some coffee makers only offer blended coffees? One reason is because blending allows roasters to hide their low quality beans. Blending different quality beans leads to a cost-savings for the roaster and a not so great taste experience for the consumer.

A 2010 report by Consumer Reports indicated that they found no “stand out” coffee blends among 37 different coffee producers. None of the blended coffees scored higher than “good.” The list included some of the most famous coffee producers in the world; which goes to show you that just because a company has a store on every block doesn’t necessarily mean they offer up the best cup of coffee!

All of this talk about the uniqueness and flavor of single source coffee doesn’t mean that there aren’t good blends out there. The key to a great coffee blend is taking quality beans from two or three regions or countries that complement each other in taste and then roasting them to perfection. Creating the perfect blend is really an art form to achieve a balanced flavor with both smoothness and complexity.

Luckily for our customers Friday’s Coffee offers two amazing blends:

Hallelujah Blend – A perfect combination of two exceptional Arabica coffees roasted to optimum perfection with amazing finish.

Righteous Roast – Features a smoky overtones, full flavor and exceptional body. (both are available online under our “products” section)

Sources:

Coffee.org

http://www.coffee.org/articles/index.php?art=148

Coffee Nate

http://www.coffeenate.com/coffee-blends-vs-single-origin-social-coffee-company-review/

PR Newswire: Consumer Reports Finds No Stand Out Cup of Coffee After Tests of 37 Blended Varieties

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-reports-finds-no-stand-out-cup-of-coffee-after-tests-of-37-blended-varieties-83426957.html