If you’re on the hunt for the best coffee beans to suit your brewing style, you’ve come to the right place. Different brewing methods bring out unique flavors and characteristics in coffee, so it’s important to choose the right beans. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of coffee beans that shine across different brewing techniques, helping you find your perfect cup. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Different brewing methods require different types of coffee beans for optimal flavor.
- Look for beans that match your preferred roast profile, whether light, medium, or dark.
- Single origin beans often provide a more distinct flavor experience compared to blends.
- Freshness is key; always check the roast date before purchasing.
- Experiment with different beans to discover your personal favorites.
1. Ilse Coffee Ecuador Juan Peña
Ilse Coffee, based in Connecticut, consistently offers some of the best coffees around. They’re super passionate about sourcing exceptional beans and building relationships with producers. They even provide a cost breakdown, showing their dedication to sustainability.
This particular coffee, sourced from Hacienda La Papaya in Loja, Ecuador, is a washed Mejorado that really shines as a pour over. If you love washed South American coffees, this one’s for you. I’m telling you, the bright, fruity complexity is amazing.
I tasted notes of dark stone fruit, jasmine, and citrus, which developed as the coffee cooled. The milk chocolate aroma added to the depth of flavor. For brewing, I used a Hario V60 dripper, Fellow Stagg EKG kettle, Fellow scale, and my Comandante C40 MK4 hand grinder. My recipe was simple:
- 19 grams coffee
- 240 grams water
- Brew time of 3-4 minutes
This coffee is a great example of how much care Ilse Coffee puts into their sourcing and roasting. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the whole process and the relationships they build along the way. If you’re looking for a coffee that’s both delicious and ethically sourced, this is a great choice. You can find other single origins with distinctive taste profiles.
2. Mother Tongue Coffee Mugshots
Mother Tongue Coffee’s Mugshots blend is definitely one to check out. Based in Oakland, California, this women/Latinx-owned business focuses on building strong relationships with producers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their coffees. I think that’s pretty cool.
While they have single origin options, I decided to try the Mugshots blend. It’s a mix of fully washed coffees from Ethiopia and Central America. I bet it would be great as espresso, but I’m focusing on pour over today. I was really impressed by how complex and bright it was. I picked up on jasmine and lemon notes, with a dark chocolate finish. It was hard to get enough of this coffee!
I really appreciate that Mother Tongue is dedicated to paying “better than fair prices” for their coffees. It’s good to know that the coffee I’m enjoying is sourced ethically.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Roast Level: Medium-light
- Origin: Ethiopia, Central America
- Processing: Washed
- Tasting Notes: Jasmine, lemon candy, chocolate
And let’s not forget the packaging – it’s definitely eye-catching! If you’re looking for a humorous and quality gift, this might be it.
3. Noble Coffee Roasting Peruvian Suyo
Noble Coffee Roasting, based in Ashland, Oregon, has been around since 2007. They’re all about building relationships with farmers and cooperatives, and they pay good money for quality green coffee. Plus, they only deal with organically grown coffee, which is pretty cool.
The Peruvian Suyo from Noble really impressed me. It’s produced by Raúl Gonzáles Huisa, and it’s 100% Typica. It goes through a full wash before drying on raised beds. I was struck by the balanced acidity and soft feel, along with its light body. I picked up notes of dried fruit, nuts, and bittersweet chocolate, with a hint of jasmine at the end. The brightness really popped as it cooled. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for the ideal coffee for pour over.
This coffee is a solid choice if you want something organic and ethically sourced. The flavor profile is complex enough to be interesting, but not so wild that it’s off-putting. It’s a good everyday coffee that you can feel good about drinking.
If you’re looking for top coffee beans for espresso, this might not be the boldest choice, but it’s definitely worth a try for a more nuanced shot. Cameron’s Coffee offers a medium roast with good flavor.
4. Resident Coffee Roasters Rwanda Gasharu
Resident Coffee Roasters, though relatively new since 2020, has quickly gained popularity for its dedication to exceptional coffee. Based in Florida, they’ve made waves in the specialty coffee scene.
I was particularly excited to try their Rwanda Gasharu. This natural process Red Bourbon is truly outstanding. It comes from a multi-year partnership, and it shows. The coffee is bursting with tropical fruit and citrus notes. I also appreciated its crisp acidity and full body. It’s great to know that Resident’s importing partner has been working to improve the lives of coffee farmers in Rwanda for decades. If you’re looking for the best beans for French press, this could be a contender.
This coffee is ethically sourced and offers a unique flavor profile, making it a great choice for those who appreciate quality and sustainability.
5. Boon Boona Coffee Dur Feres
I’m a big fan of East African coffee varieties for brewing, so I had to include a roaster that focuses on coffee from that area. Boon Boona Coffee, located in Seattle, Washington, was started by Efrem Fesaha. He wanted to showcase the coffee beans and culture of his family’s home country, Eritrea. Now, Boon Boona cafes often have a traditional coffee ceremony.
I chose Boon Boona Dur Feres, a single origin coffee from the Guji region of Ethiopia. This natural process heirloom varietal has everything people love about natural Ethiopians. Think blueberry and cocoa nib.
This is the kind of coffee that can really impress someone new to pour overs. It’s easy to enjoy, and the flavors are clear.
6. Vesta Coffee Roasters Loma La Gloria
Okay, so maybe coffee isn’t the first thing you think of when someone mentions Las Vegas. But hear me out! Vesta Coffee Roasters might just be the best thing about Sin City. I mean, who would have thought?
Founded back in 2015, Vesta now boasts four super stylish cafes. But don’t let the fancy locations fool you; they’re still all about sourcing the highest quality green coffee and building real relationships with farmers all over the world. That’s something I can get behind. I remember when a couple sought a coffee alternative to the big chains and ended up driving way out of their way to check out Vesta. That says something, right?
This Loma La Gloria, a Pacamara varietal from El Salvador, is processed using the yellow honey method, and it’s seriously good, especially if you’re making a pour over. I was really impressed by how smooth it felt in my mouth and how balanced the flavors were. I definitely picked up on the brown sugar and fig notes, though I wasn’t quite sure about the green grape the roaster mentioned. But hey, everyone’s taste buds are different, right?
Honestly, I’m always on the lookout for coffee roasters that care about where their beans come from and how they’re processed. Vesta seems to really prioritize those things, and it shows in the quality of their coffee. Plus, the fact that they’re based in Vegas just makes them even cooler, in my opinion.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Roast Level: Light
- Origin: Quetzaltepec, El Salvador
- Process: Yellow Honey
- Tasting Notes: Green Grape, Sugarcane, Fig
7. Onyx Coffee Lab Decaf Colombia Inzá San Antonio
I never want to leave out my caffeine-sensitive friends! So, I had to include a decaf option on this list. Honestly, the choice was easy. I’ve had Onyx Coffee Lab’s decaf before, so I knew what to expect: decaf that actually tastes good!
Decaf often gets roasted too dark, but Onyx knows better. Their Decaf Colombia Inzá San Antonio is a medium-dark roast, so you get more than just bittersweet flavors. Sure, there’s a hint of that, but it doesn’t overpower the coffee’s natural taste. Onyx specifically chose these beans for decaffeination, knowing the sweet apple and sugar notes would remain.
I was really impressed with this coffee and would recommend it to anyone who drinks decaf. It’s a great option if you want flavor without the jitters.
8. Presta Coffee Roasters Julio Peralta Natural Anaerobic
I’ve been a fan of Presta Coffee Roasters for a while. They’re based in Tucson, Arizona, and they consistently have some of the most unique coffee beans around. They often highlight new processing methods, which is pretty cool.
I was excited to get a bag of this natural anaerobic coffee from Presta. It’s grown and processed by Julio Peralta on his farm in Nicaragua. He uses renewable energy and not a lot of water, which is great. Peralta has been experimenting with fermentation to take natural processing to the next level by using controlled anaerobic fermentation.
This single origin Nicaragua had a strawberry sweetness and hints of banana and spice. The finish was long and sweet, highlighting the coffee’s depth and complexity. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a premium coffee for cold brew.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Roast Level: Medium-light
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Processing: Anaerobic natural
- Tasting Notes: Strawberry shortcake, banana bread, mango
9. Blue Bottle Coffee Three Africas
Blue Bottle’s Three Africas blend is a pretty interesting mix, and it’s become a staple for a lot of coffee drinkers. It’s not your typical single-origin; instead, it combines beans from different African regions to create something unique. I’ve found it to be a reliable choice when I want something a little more complex than my usual morning brew.
What makes this blend stand out is its balance. It’s got a bit of everything – fruitiness, some floral notes, and a hint of earthiness. It’s not overwhelmingly anything, which makes it pretty versatile for different brewing methods. I’ve used it in my French press, pour-over, and even my espresso machine, and it’s always delivered a decent cup. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to enjoy without being too fussy.
Here’s what I generally look for in a good coffee:
- Aroma: Should be inviting, not burnt or stale.
- Flavor: Balanced, with some complexity.
- Body: Not too thin, not too heavy.
I think the best part about this blend is that it’s consistent. You know what you’re getting each time, which is a big plus when you’re trying to dial in your brewing. It’s not going to blow your mind with crazy flavors, but it’s a solid, dependable choice.
If you’re into trying different African coffees, this blend is a good starting point. It gives you a taste of what the continent has to offer without being too overwhelming. Plus, Blue Bottle is pretty good about sourcing quality beans, so you can usually trust that you’re getting something decent. For a delightful experience with its fruity notes, nuanced flavors, radiant qualities, and deep sweetness, appealing to a wide range of coffee lovers, this organic coffee is a great choice.
10. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender and more
Stumptown is a big name, and for good reason. They’ve been around for a while, and they know what they’re doing. While they have a wide range of offerings, let’s focus on their Hair Bender blend. It’s a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. It’s versatile and works well with different brewing methods.
Hair Bender is known for its complex flavor profile. It’s not just a one-note coffee; you’ll find layers of different tastes as you sip. People often describe it as having notes of fruit and citrus, which gives it a bright and lively character. It’s a good pick if you want something that’s not too heavy or bitter.
I’ve tried Hair Bender a few times, and I always find something new to appreciate. It’s a reliable option when I want a good cup of coffee without having to think too much about it. It’s not the most exotic or unique coffee out there, but it’s consistently good, and that’s what matters most of the time.
If you’re looking to explore other options from Stumptown, they have plenty. They offer single-origin coffees, different blends, and even some interesting experimental roasts. It’s worth checking out their website or visiting one of their cafes to see what’s new. You might discover your next favorite medium roast whole bean coffee there.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it! A rundown of some of the best coffee beans for pour over brewing. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, I hope this list helps you find your next favorite bag of beans. Remember, the world of coffee is huge, and there’s always something new to try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different origins and roast profiles. And hey, if you find a bean you love, share it with your friends! Happy brewing, and may your mornings be filled with great coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best coffee beans for pour over?
The best coffee beans for pour over vary, but some top picks include Ilse Coffee Ecuador Juan Peña and Noble Coffee Roasting Peruvian Suyo. These beans highlight rich flavors and are great for this brewing method.
How much coffee should I use for pour over?
A good starting point is to use about 19 grams of coffee for every 240 grams of water. This ratio can be adjusted based on how strong you like your coffee.
Is pour over coffee better than other brewing methods?
Many people believe pour over coffee has a richer flavor compared to other methods. However, it really depends on personal taste and what you enjoy.
How long does it take to brew pour over coffee?
Brewing pour over coffee typically takes around 3 to 4 minutes. This time can vary based on your technique and the type of coffee used.
Why is freshness important in coffee beans?
Freshly roasted coffee beans taste better because they maintain their flavor and aroma. It’s best to use beans that were roasted within the last few weeks.
What equipment do I need for pour over coffee?
You’ll need a pour over dripper, a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring, a coffee grinder for fresh grounds, and a scale to measure your coffee and water.