Bourbon is one of the most widely grown and popular Arabica cultivars known for its balanced cup profile bursting with sweet, chocolatey undertones. Many other arabica varieties like Caturra, Mundo Novo, and Catuai were derived as mutations or hybrids of the original Bourbon cultivar. With its rich history intertwined with Reunion Island’s complex past, Bourbon … Read more

Hailed as the “best varietal of Arabica Coffee,” Typica beans originate from Yemen and were first cultivated in India and the volcanic slopes of Java in the 17th century. Typica beans are vulnerable to disease and have lower yields, but produce a well-balanced cup with spicy notes, making them the gold standard for specialty coffee. … Read more

Liberica coffee is one of the four main coffee varieties – Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. It is mainly grown in the Philippines and Malaysia and makes up just 1-2% of global coffee production. Key Takeaways In this article, I’ll sum up everything I’ve uncovered about fascinating Liberica coffee. I’ll explore Liberica’s origins, ideal growing … Read more

Excelsa coffee used to be one of the four main coffee varieties – Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. But in 2006, it got put into the Liberica category. It only makes up 2% of the world’s coffee output, but it’s definitely worth giving it a shot! Key Takeaways In this article, I’ll walk you through … Read more

Fermented Coffee or Cultured Coffee is a new buzzword in the specialty coffee industry and for a good reason. Unlike the conventional cup of joe, fermented coffee has an extremely fruity and tangy flavor profile that is praised by many coffee lovers! Key Takeaways As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. In … Read more

As a dedicated coffee enthusiast and experienced barista, I regularly try various exotic brews. But even I balked when handed a $120 bill for a single cup of coffee – Panamanian Geisha to be exact! Believe it or not, some third-wave cafes actually charge over $100 per serving for this exclusive bean. Why pay so … Read more

Coffee blends are where the magic happens. Imagine: Kenyan brightness waltzing with Sumatran earthiness, Ethiopian fruitiness tangoing with Guatemalan chocolate. Sounds good, right?  Key Takeaways As a barista with over a decade of experience, I’ve found most coffee drinkers don’t actually know what a blended coffee is. In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of … Read more

Single-origin coffee is more than just a buzzword in the world of coffee. It refers to coffee that is sourced from one single place highlighting the complex flavor profile of that origin.  Key takeaways In this article, I draw upon my extensive experience in tasting and researching coffee origins to offer a concise introduction to … Read more