4 Different Types of Coffee Beans and How They Affect Flavor

Coffee beans are the foundation of any great cup of coffee and understanding their different types and how they affect flavor is an important part of achieving your desired tastes. From light to dark roasts, there's a wide range of roast profiles that can drastically alter the taste and aroma of your favorite brew. This post will explore the various types of coffee beans available, availability, and how each one affects flavor.

The Different Flavor Profiles

There is a wide variety of coffee beans available, each stemming from the four main groups. Each type has its own unique flavor profile that can be affected by where it was grown, how it was processed, and what roast level it was given. Arabica beans are considered to have some of the most complex flavors, while Robusta beans have more caffeine but lack flavor. The lightest roasts tend to bring out bright citrus notes, fruit, and floral while darker roasts tend to bring out chocolatey or caramelly tones. With all these variables affecting their taste profile, understanding different types of coffee beans allows you to craft your perfect cup!

Arabica Beans

Arabica beans are widely renowned for their superior quality and flavor. Arabica is the most common bean used in specialty coffee roasting. Their unique flavor profile is characterized by a wide range of flavors, including sweet, fruity, floral, citrusy, and even nutty notes. They also have a pleasant acidity that adds complexity to the cup. Roasting Arabica beans enhances their natural sweetness and brings out the full range of flavors in the bean. With careful roasting, it's possible to achieve an ideal balance between body and brightness in your cup. Brewing Arabica coffee requires extra attention due to its delicate nature; however, if brewed correctly, it can produce a richly flavored cup with subtle nuances that make it truly special. From light roasts through dark roasts, each has its own distinct taste depending on the roast level applied; under-roasted coffee will bring out more of the sweetness, while over-roasted coffee may take away some of this character but add smokiness or bitterness instead.

Robusta Beans

Robusta beans are a type of coffee bean that has a distinct flavor profile compared to other varieties. Robusta accounts for about 40-45% of global production, however typically not used by specialty coffee roasters as it is used as a filler in low grade coffee. Robusta tends to have lower acidity, more bitterness, and a more woody and less fruity flavor compared to Arabica. The taste is described as being strong, earthy, and slightly bitter. Roasting Robusta beans can be tricky since they burn easily if the temperature is too high or they are roasted for too long. For best results, it's important to roast the beans at an even temperature for about 10-12 minutes until they reach second crack stage (the point when the oils start to rise from inside the bean). Brewing Robusta beans also requires some finesse; because of their intense flavor, it's important not to overdo it on grind size or extraction time; otherwise, you may end up with an overly bitter cup of coffee. Many people find that brewing with cold water can help reduce some of the more unpleasant flavors associated with these types of coffees.

Liberica Beans

Liberica beans are renowned for their unique flavor profile and flavor notes on roasting and brewing, however account for less than 1.5% of coffee grown. These full-bodied coffee beans have a deep, syrupy taste with rich texture, fruity aroma, good body, and a sweet aftertaste. They also produce an intense smokiness when roasted to the optimal level of dark or medium roast. When brewed correctly, they bring out a boldness that's often described as having chocolatey tones with hints of spice and berry flavors. The low acidity makes this bean especially smooth while still having a robust flavor. Furthermore, these beans can be brewed using traditional methods such as French press or espresso machines but can also be enjoyed in the form of a cold brew. Liberica coffee has something special to offer any aspiring coffee connoisseur; from its uniquely flavorful characteristics to its potential versatility in brewing methods. These beans are not normally available on the commercial coffee market. Liberica is widely grown in the Philippines and consumed in the local market.

Excelsa Beans

Excelsa beans are a unique variety of beans grown primarily in Southeast Asia. They have a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from other varieties. Less than 7% of the global coffee is Excelsa, however it is gaining popularity. The level of sweetness is also higher than traditional coffees due to the high sugar content within the bean itself. When roasted, Excelsa beans produce an intense aroma that carries hints of green apple and honey, as well as earthy tones like leather and tobacco. It's important for roasters to be careful not to over-roast these beans; otherwise, they will lose their distinctive flavors and aromas quickly. Brewing Excelsa coffee requires more attention than most because it can become bitter if brewed too hot or too long. To achieve optimal results, use a medium grind size with water around 200°F for three minutes - any longer will cause the beverage to become overly acidic or astringent tasting.

In conclusion, the four different types of coffee beans each have their own distinct flavor profiles. Most specialty coffee is Arabica and can be roasted to a wide variety of profiles and cupping notes. If you're looking to explore new flavors, try experimenting with different roasts levels and origins. Who knows? You may just find your new favorite brew! We suggest starting with a sampler pack (10% discount and free shipping) Sampler Pack