Coffee enthusiasts would know that coffee flavors matter. From the beans to the roast, many factors affect the coffee’s final flavor.
Today, we will be giving you insights about your favorite coffee blends and what makes the coffee flavors stand out.
Coffee Flavors Start with the Beans
Coffee beans vary in size, shape, color, and flavor. Its region and the conditions in which they’re grown also affects its flavors and aromas.
But all coffee beans fall under two categories: robusta and arabica.
Robusta coffee has a higher level of caffeine. It also tends to have more acidic and tannic flavors.
These beans can grow in lower altitudes with less moisture and hotter climates.
Because of its flavor profile, robusta beans are usually sold for a lower price.
Meanwhile, arabica coffee is considered as the more superior coffee bean. It has a more delicate flavor and lower acidity levels.
This variety grows at higher altitudes and can be more labor-intensive when growing.
Because of this, arabica beans are more desirable and comes at a higher price.
From Prepping to Roasting
Once the coffee cherries are harvested, the next step involves removing the seeds from the cherries.
The seeds are then processed in two ways: the dry method and the wet method.
The natural or ‘dry’ method involved drying to whole cherries. It’s the oldest processing method that requires little machinery.
After harvesting, the cherries are sorted and cleaned by hand. It is then categorized into ripe, overripe, and damaged ones.
The beans are then spread out in the sun to dry and are turned by hand to ensure even drying.
The wet method uses water to clean the cherries and extract the beans. Like the dry method, the cherries are sorted out to reveal the overripe and damaged ones.
The cherries are then put through a pulping machine where the beans are removed with less damaged.
Coffee pulping leaves a mucus-like cover in the beans called the mucilage. To remove this, the beans are put in large tanks.
Water is mixed with enzymes to remove the mucilage. The beans are also stirred continuously to assist the process.
This process takes about 24 hours to complete. It also ensures better results for the coffee’s taste and aroma.
Once it’s good to go, the beans are then roasted according to three categories: light, medium, and dark.
Light roasts have a more delicate flavor but tend to be more acidic.
Medium roasts have a slightly sweet, toasty flavor. This roast is usually perfect for breakfast blends. It’s also known as breakfast or regular roast.
Dark-roasted coffee is the strongest flavors ranging from smoky to spicy. Beans are roasted until the sugars begin to caramelize. This roast also has the most bitter taste and lowest acidity levels.
Different Coffee Flavors To Choose From
The names of different coffee flavors and blends can be intimidating for first-timers visiting a coffee shop.
Here’s a quick guide to the most popular coffee flavors and unique coffee flavors you may encounter.
Black Coffee
This is the purest form of coffee you can get.
It’s a combination of water and coffee without any milk. This is usually served without any added sweeteners like honey, sugar, or milk.
This coffee blend is served to maximize the taste and aroma of the coffee being served.
Espresso
Espresso is a full-flavored coffee shot. This coffee is made by forcing pressurized, hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.
What makes espresso different is its “crema”. It’s a reddish-brown froth that forms when air bubbles combine with the oils of a fine-ground coffee.
The quick extraction process gives espresso its fuller flavor and lower caffeine content.
Espresso is also the base flavor for popular blends for most coffee shops.
Ristretto
Ristretto is an espresso shot with half the amount of water. This results in a darker and more concentrated extraction.
The color of this coffee is usually between dark chocolate and umber. Like the espresso, a ristretto is also shot without being diluted with milk or any other sweeteners.
The flavor is described to be bolder, fuller, and less bitter than the espresso.
Cafe Americano
This is the Italian term for American coffee. Its roots come from World War 2, where American soldiers in Italy tried to ration the espresso supply better.
American soldiers were not used to the taste of strong espresso coffee. That’s why they added hot water to the cup, making it a large coffee instead.
This coffee blend is similar to another drink called the Long Black.
Long Black is more popular in countries like New Zealand and Australia. It also has a stronger, bolder flavor with less water diluted in the drink.
Cafe Au Lait/ Caffe Latte
Cafe latte is said to have been a favorite breakfast drink in Europe long before cafes served them.
Coffee and milk have been a part of the European household since 1700. But it was only in the 1900s when coffee houses started using the term cafe au lait and caffe latte in coffee shops.
In Italy, caffe latte is usually served during breakfast. Like espresso, this drink is pretty simple to make.
All you have to do is extract 1 shot of espresso and add steamed milk and micro-foam. This is a much sweeter drink compared to the espresso.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is similar to caffe latte. The only difference is the type of milk used in every cup.
Unlike the latte, cappuccino uses ⅓ of espresso, ⅓ of steamed milk, and ⅓ of foamed milk.
The name comes from monks of the Capuchin order. It is said that the design of a traditional cappuccino is inspired by a monk’s head.
It is also said that the coffee resembled the monks’ robes when it first appeared in the cafe menus of 18th century Vienna.
The original blend was sweetened with cinnamon or chocolate, often decorated with whipped cream on top.
New Coffee Blends to Try
Over time, people have become more experimental with how they take their coffee. From cold brews to tonics, technology has become a tool that challenged the way coffee is produced and consumed.
Here are some of the most unique coffee flavors you can try today.
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is a new trend that has crossed over to the mainstream culture recently.
It’s pretty simple to make. All you have to do is brew ground coffee beans with tepid water or cold water in 24 hours.
The result is mellower, more rounded taste, with less acidity than iced coffee.
Nitro Coffee
This coffee blend has a unique creamy, beer-like feel. It is also usually served in beer kegs.
The nitrogen gas infused in the coffee makes it thicker, extremely smooth, and is lower in acidity.
Japanese Iced Coffee
Japanese iced coffee starts as coffee brewed in hot water and then poured over ice.
The process helps release all of the coffee flavors instead of taking long hours brewing.
Espresso Tonic
This drink is made with brewing espresso shots together with lime juice and tonic water.
3-in-1 Coffee
3-in-1 coffee is the easiest way to get your coffee fix.
It all starts with choosing high-quality coffee beans. From there, beans are processed in two ways.
Liquid coffee is sprayed in hot and dry air to produce the coffee powder.
The second method is to freeze-dry the liquid, leaving behind the coffee powder that can be reconstituted in water.
Get unique coffee flavors without leaving the comforts of your home with Culture Blends Coffee.
Try our three premium coffee blends.
Italian Creamy White, which gives you the creamy tastes and textures of Italian coffee.
Then there’s the American Latte blend, which is perfect for a quick pick-me-up cup.
And last but not least, the Belgian Choco Mocha, which gives you sweet, chocolatey goodness you’ll surely love.
Experience coffee flavors like no other with Culture Blends Coffee. Get them now at your nearest supermarket and convenience stores nationwide.
What’s the best coffee flavors for you? Share them with us in the comments below.