The “best” coffee is subjective—it depends on your taste preferences, brewing method, and what you’re after (boldness, smoothness, origin, etc.). Here’s a quick guide to some top contenders based on global popularity, expert reviews (e.g., from Coffee Review, World Coffee Research), and consumer trends:
Top Picks by Style
- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (Light Roast, Single-Origin)
- Why it’s great: Bright, floral, fruity (think citrus, berries, jasmine). Often called the “champagne of coffee.”
- Best for: Pour-over, Chemex, or cold brew.
- Try if you like: Complex, tea-like coffees.
- Top brand example: Stumptown Hair Bender or local Greek roasters using Ethiopian beans.
- Colombian Supremo (Medium Roast)
- Why it’s great: Balanced, nutty, caramel sweetness with mild acidity. Reliable and crowd-pleasing.
- Best for: Drip, French press, or espresso.
- Try if you like: Smooth, everyday coffee.
- Top brand example: Juan Valdez or Illy Classico.
- Sumatran Mandheling (Dark Roast)
- Why it’s great: Earthy, full-bodied, low acidity, with chocolate and spice notes.
- Best for: Espresso, moka pot, or Greek/Turkish coffee style.
- Try if you like: Bold, smoky flavors.
- Top brand example: Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend.
- Jamaican Blue Mountain (Medium Roast)
- Why it’s great: Ultra-smooth, mild, almost no bitterness. The “luxury” coffee.
- Best for: Sipping black.
- Try if you like: Refined, expensive vibes (it is pricey).
Roasters to Watch: Dear Green Coffee Roasters (Micro category) and Wonderstate Coffee (Macro) were named Roasters of the Year by Roast Magazine, focusing on ethical sourcing and innovative processing like anaerobic ferments. roastmagazine.com
Medium Roasts Dominate: Experts highlight medium roasts for their balance, with brands like La Colombe and Peet’s leading in taste tests for everyday appeal. thekitchn.com
Sustainability Focus: Look for beans certified Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade, as consumer reports emphasize arabica over robusta for superior quality
Freshness is key: Grind beans right before brewing, use quality water, and store in an airtight container, then you can enjoy a perfect cappuccino.