What do we mean by blend or single origin
You hear coffee roasters and shops talking about their different blends and single origins a lot.
A blend is made by a roaster by mixing a number of different coffees together to create a 'Signature Blend'. This can be done for a number of reasons. Partly roasters use this as a way to get consistency for their customers. By mixing similar tasting coffees they can try and create something thats familiar to their customer base.
A single origin coffee, on the other hand, is from a single farm or washing station in one country. This coffee will therefore taste more unique to the country that produces it, Similar to the way wines will taste different from France and Italy.
Why I don't like blends
Personally, I don't love blends. I find them sort of boring and is more about the roaster who mixed the beans together than the farmer who grew them! Blending can help roasters use up cheaper coffees or even get a better price per kilo, but this sort of seems a shame to me.
Maybe I am too idealistic but it seems more interesting to me to taste a coffee thats has been grown and processed well rather than how well can I mix beans together!
Single Origins, unique flavour profiles
To borrow the wine term, Single Origins allow you to taste the terroir of a region. And I find that fascinating! That each farm will grow coffee that all taste unique, from each drying table to each sack tasting different. The idea that we are trying to make our coffee taste consistent all year round is mind blowing!
Transparency and Traceability
One of the standout advantages of single origin specialty coffee is the level of transparency and traceability it offers. Unlike mass-produced blends, which often combine beans from multiple countries or farms without clear sourcing, single origin coffee allows you to know exactly where your beans come from—right down to the specific farm, region, or even the farmer’s name. This connection to origin not only builds trust with consumers, but it also highlights the story behind each cup. You’re not just buying coffee; you’re supporting a specific community, climate, and cultivation style. For ethically minded coffee drinkers, this traceability ensures that fair trade practices, sustainable farming methods, and proper labor standards are being upheld—making every sip more meaningful.
Seasonal Freshness
Single origin coffee is often celebrated for its seasonal freshness, which plays a big role in both flavor and quality. Unlike generic blends that rely on consistency year-round, single origin coffees follow the natural harvest cycles of their regions—meaning you’re tasting beans that were recently picked, processed, and roasted. Just like fresh produce, coffee is best when it’s in season. This freshness brings out vibrant, complex flavors that can fade over time in older beans. Whether it’s a bright, floral Ethiopian harvested in early spring or a rich Colombian crop from the fall, seasonal single origin coffee offers a dynamic experience that evolves throughout the year—giving coffee lovers something new to look forward to with every cup.
Ideal for manual brew methods
For coffee enthusiasts who love manual brewing methods like pour-over, Chemex, or AeroPress, single origin coffee is perfect. These brewing techniques are all about precision and clarity, making them perfect for highlighting the unique flavor notes found in single origin beans. Because the coffee comes from one specific region or farm, it carries distinct characteristics—floral, fruity, nutty, or even wine-like—that shine through when brewed with care. Unlike blends, which often aim for balance and consistency, single origin coffees offer a more adventurous and nuanced experience, allowing brewers to taste the true essence of a particular terroir. It’s like exploring the world one cup at a time—each brew tells a story of place, process, and passion.