Single Origin and Blends

The term ‘single-origin Coffee’ might sound self-explanatory, but the rules of what exactly defines a ‘single origin’ are hazy and widely debated. Depending on who you’re talking to, it might mean a single farm, a collection of farms in one region or a whole range of other possibilities. Whatever the case, the idea is that it’s pure in that, depending on how it’s been handled, it represents the true terroir of the region from which it’s come.

Often beans from several origins are blended, the idea being to combine the characteristics of various coffees to create a well-balanced and complex blending of flavours and body. Specialty coffee roasters often blend with a particular brew method in mind, to create the ideal final cup flavour. If you’re just starting to become interested in specialty coffee, trying out a few different dingle origins can be a good way to develop a palate – you may be surprised at the range of flavours you begin to notice.