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What’s the Best Coffee Bean in the World?
Let’s get straight to it: there isn’t one single “best” coffee bean in the world. The right coffee for you depends on what you like, what you’re after, and how you plan to brew it. But let’s dive into some of the most sought-after types of coffee beans and see what sets them apart. There are four main types you’ll come across: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
1. Arabica: The Crowd Favourite
Arabica beans make up around 60% of the world’s coffee production. They’re known for their sweeter, more nuanced flavours and are often used in specialty coffee. The flavour profile can range from fruity and floral to chocolatey and nutty, depending on where the beans are grown. You’ll typically find Arabica beans in single-origin coffees and high-end blends.
If you’re buying from us at VENDUM Coffee, you’re likely getting a carefully selected Arabica bean. We love them for their complexity and depth of flavour, especially when roasted fresh and brewed thoughtfully.
2. Robusta: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Robusta beans are the second most common type and are known for their strong, bitter taste. They have nearly twice the caffeine content of Arabica beans, which gives them a more intense kick. You’ll usually find Robusta in instant coffees or cheaper supermarket blends. The beans are easier to grow and more resilient to pests, which makes them cheaper, but the flavour is less refined.
At VENDUM, we prefer using Arabica beans for their quality, but we won’t dismiss Robusta altogether. It can add a nice crema in espresso blends and has its place if you’re looking for a strong, bold brew.
3. Gesha (Geisha): The Elite Bean
Now, here’s a bean that’s worth talking about. Gesha, also known as Geisha, is a rare and highly prized coffee variety. The name’s origin is a bit debated — some say it comes from the town of Gesha in Ethiopia where the variety was first discovered. Others spell it Geisha, reflecting the phonetic translation when it became popular in Central America. Either way, the coffee world loves it.
What makes Gesha so special? It’s all about the flavour profile. Gesha beans are known for their complex, floral notes, with hints of jasmine, tropical fruit, and a delicate acidity. They’re usually grown at high altitudes, which helps develop these distinct flavours. It’s not cheap, but if you’re a coffee lover, it’s worth trying at least once. We tasted Gesha ourselves at VENDUM, and let’s just say, the aroma from the bag alone was incredible.
4. Liberica: The Unusual One
Liberica beans are less common but offer a unique taste experience. They have a larger, irregular shape and a strong, smoky, almost woody flavour. You’ll mainly find Liberica in Southeast Asia. It’s a bit of an acquired taste and not everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee, in this case), but it’s worth trying if you want something different.
5. Excelsa: The Wild Card
Excelsa beans are technically a variant of Liberica but have their own distinctive taste. They offer a tart, fruity flavour that adds depth to coffee blends. You won’t see them on their own as often, but they’re used to bring a unique brightness to certain specialty coffees.
The Influence of Altitude and Location
Where coffee is grown has a massive impact on how it tastes. High-altitude beans, like those grown in Ethiopia or Colombia, tend to develop more complex and delicate flavours because the slower growth process allows the beans to mature properly. If you’re tasting floral or fruity notes in a coffee, chances are it’s from a high-altitude region.
Beans grown closer to sea level, like many Robusta beans, tend to have a stronger, more straightforward taste. The soil, climate, and even the processing method all play a role in shaping the final flavour profile.
Our Pick at VENDUM: Try Gesha Coffee
We’re VENDUM, and we make sure to try before we buy all our coffee beans. We don’t settle for anything less than the best. When we tasted Gesha, it was a standout. The aroma alone — before you even get it in the grinder — is something special. If you’re after a truly unique coffee experience, give it a go. We reckon you’ll be blown away.
