Crafting Perfect Coffee Blends: A Masterful Art 

Whether you like sipping on lattes or prefer working your way through the silky foam of an easy-going cappuccino, the majority of coffees we drink in a café are made using what we refer to as a coffee blend. Creating a harmonious blend of coffee beans is a meticulous process that involves selecting the right beans, understanding their compatibility, and mastering the art of roasting.

In this blog, we'll explore how different coffee beans are chosen for blending, why certain beans work better together, and how these blends are used for both filter and espresso coffee.

We'll also touch upon the varying roast levels and list the delightful drinks that can be crafted from blended beans.

WHAT IS A COFFEE BLEND?

• First things first, what is a coffee blend? Here’s a simple coffee blend definition: coffee blends are a mix of two, three or sometimes even more different coffees that each come from a unique origin. ’Origin’ refers to the country where the coffee is grown and processed before being roasted.

• Most cafes use a espresso blend for milk based coffees (like lattes, flat white and cappuccinos) and single origin coffees for black coffee (like long blacks, espresso and filter coffee). 

WHY DO WE BLEND COFFEE BEANS?

The purpose of blending coffees together is to produce a desired flavour profile that is distinctive, balanced and consistent. Blends are created to make coffee enjoyable for different markets, coffee styles and demographics. Nobody likes starting their day on a sour note, so it is crucial that a café offers something that is delicious and consistent. That's why we develop coffee blend recipes to ensure our wholesale partners are able to offer a flavour that is recognisable and repeatable.

HOW DO WE DEVELOP A COFFEE BLEND?

Knowing how to blend coffee is a very distinctive skill. Different origins produce different characteristics and flavours, so it’s crucial to try and understand and balance them all. Brazilian coffee beans are renowned for their nutty and chocolaty flavours with mild acidity due to their processing techniques and terroir. Colombian coffees have clean citrus flavours with brighter acidity thanks to the common washed process technique and higher altitude plantations. Ethiopians are famous for their berry-like flavours including blueberry and strawberry, as well as floral notes like jasmine. 

Usually the team of coffee professionals tests many samples from around the globe through a process that is known as ‘cupping’ to find the right flavour characteristics to combine and create the desired taste profile.

The next step is to arrive at the perfect percentages of each origin in the blend to optimise the complexity and distinctiveness of the blend. This is a process of trial and error and much slurping of coffee until the team settles on the best recipe. Once all of that has been completed, the team works together to bring the blend to life by giving it a coffee blend name and creative packaging.

WHAT IS COFFEE CUPPING?

Coffee cupping is the industry accepted way to practise and observe the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee. Coffees are usually lined up in cups on a table where different people use a spoon to slurp (or taste) coffee after the crema of the brewed coffee has been broken.

The goal of coffee cupping is to level the playing field between different coffees. All coffees are brewed at the same time, using the same grind size and brew ratio to make it easier to identify the flavour characteristics of each coffee.

Cupping is used to provide insight into different coffees, and to help coffee roasters choose which coffees to use in their blends. It is a way for us to design and taste the blends we create. Apart from using it to design and taste blends, we believe that It is also a great way to learn more about how different roasting profiles, origins, processing methods and other factors affect the final flavour of a coffee blend.

Choosing the Right Beans for Blending

Selecting coffee beans for blending is a delicate task that relies on various factors:

• Origin Diversity: Beans from different regions provide unique flavor profiles. Combining beans from distinct origins adds depth and complexity to the blend.

• Bean Type Compatibility: Some beans, like Arabica and Robusta, complement each other. Arabica adds sweetness and acidity, while Robusta contributes body and crema.

• Roast Levels: Beans with varying roast levels can be blended to achieve a balanced flavor. Lighter roasts preserve acidity, while darker roasts enhance body and richness.

Perfecting Blends for Filter Coffee

Blended beans for filter coffee offer a nuanced taste experience:

• Balanced Flavor: Combining beans with different flavor profiles results in a well-rounded, nuanced cup of coffee.
• Single-Origin Enhancements: Blending beans from the same region can emphasise the unique qualities of that origin while maintaining balance.

Crafted Blends for Espresso

Espresso blends require specific considerations:

• Crema and Body: Blending beans with a mix of roast levels ensures a rich crema and a full-bodied shot of espresso.
• Balancing Acidity: Combining high-acid beans with lower-acid beans creates a balanced espresso with a pleasant acidity.

Roasting for Excellence

Different roast levels are crucial for coffee blends:

• Light Roast: Retains the beans' inherent flavors, suitable for filter coffee.

• Medium Roast: Strikes a balance between acidity and body, suitable for both filter and espresso.

• Dark Roast: Enhances body and sweetness, ideal for espresso.

The Versatility of Blended Beans

A variety of coffee drinks can be crafted from blended beans:

1. Espresso: The base for countless espresso-based beverages.
2. Cappuccino: Espresso, steamed milk, and foam create a creamy delight.
3. Latte: Espresso with a larger portion of steamed milk, offering a milder flavor.
4. Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water for a mild, larger coffee.
5. Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.

Creating the perfect coffee blend is an art that takes skill, knowledge, and passion. Whether you prefer a filter coffee with nuanced flavours or a bold espresso shot, blended beans hold the secret to crafting exceptional coffee experiences. 

Sourcing Exceptional Coffee Beans for Espresso and Filter Brewing

When it comes to sourcing high-quality coffee beans for espresso and filter brewing, the origin and specific farms play a pivotal role. Here, we'll delve into some typical areas and farms known for producing outstanding beans for these brewing methods.

Espresso Beans:

1. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: This region in Ethiopia is renowned for its delicate and floral Arabica beans. They are often used in espresso blends to add bright acidity and unique floral notes. The Kochere district is particularly famous for its Yirgacheffe coffee.
2. Honduras La Central Cooperative: Honduran Arabica beans from this cooperative are prized for their versatility and consistency. They are often used in espresso blends for their balanced flavor profile, combining fruity and nutty notes. 
3. Brazil Santos: Brazilian beans, especially Santos, are known for their low acidity and creamy body, making them a popular choice for espresso. The Sul de Minas region is a well-known source for quality Brazilian coffee. 

Filter Coffee Beans:

1. Guatemalan Antigua: Guatemalan beans from the Antigua region are celebrated for their depth and complexity. They often feature in filter coffee due to their well-balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and spice. 
2. Kenyan AA: Kenyan AA beans, particularly from the AA grade, are highly sought after for their bright acidity and fruity, wine-like notes. They are a favorite for pour-over and drip brewing methods. 
3. Colombian Supremo: Colombian Supremo beans are well-suited for filter brewing, offering a medium body with nutty and citrusy undertones. The Colombian Coffee Triangle is a prominent source of these beans. 

These are just a few examples of coffee-producing regions and farms known for their exceptional beans.

When selecting beans for espresso or filter coffee, consider the flavor profile you desire and explore beans from these regions to craft the perfect cup of coffee. The rich diversity of coffee origins ensures that there's something to suit every coffee lover's palate.

Look across our website to search for Blended Beans today.