Coffee, the drink that gives energy to millions worldwide, comes in a wide range of flavours, scents, and textures. Whether it’s the intense taste of espresso or the gentle, fruity hints of a light roast, coffee is as varied as its drinkers. We will look at different coffee beans, roasting styles, and ways to make coffee, each adding to the unique tastes of various coffee types.

Coffee Beans – The Base of Flavour
1.1 Arabica
Arabica is the top choice for coffee lovers, making up 60% of the world’s coffee. These beans are grown in high, rainy areas, giving them a rich and fruity taste profile. Popular Arabica types are Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Colombian Supremo, and Jamaican Blue Mountain.

1.2 Robusta
Robusta is the second most favoured bean, suited to warmer, low-lying areas. They have a stronger, bitter taste and twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. Robusta is often used in espresso mixes and can be found in Vietnamese coffee and Italian espresso.

1.3 Liberica
Although rarer, Liberica beans are mainly farmed in Southeast Asia, like the Philippines. They have a special scent, mixing floral and fruity, offering a strong flavour.

The Craft of Roasting
2.1 Light Roast
Light roasts have a sharp acidity with fruity and floral tones. The beans are briefly roasted to keep the original bean’s intricate flavours. Examples of light roasts include Ethiopian Sidamo and Costa Rican Tarrazu.

2.2 Medium Roast
Medium roasts blend the bean’s own tastes with the roast flavour. These roasts are fruity and chocolatey, with mild acidity. Famous medium roasts are Colombian Supremo and Sumatran Mandheling. The North Coast Café’s medium roast is full-flavoured but not too bitter.

2.3 Dark Roast
Dark roasts have strong, rich tastes with noticeable bitterness and less acidity. They’re roasted longer, creating a smoky and robust taste. Familiar dark roasts are French Roast and Italian Espresso.

Brewing Methods – Crafting the Ideal Cup
3.1 Drip Coffee
Drip brewing involves hot water filtering through ground coffee. It yields a balanced, medium-bodied, and mildly acidic drink.

3.2 Espresso
Espresso is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. This makes a strong and dense coffee with a signature creamy layer. The North Coast Café likes this method for their tasty coffee.

3.3 Pour Over
For pour-over, water is slowly poured over coffee grounds in a conical filter, allowing for exact control of the water temperature and brew time, leading to a vivid, flavourful cup that shows off the coffee’s natural properties.

3.4 French Press or Cafetière
A French press steeps coffee grounds in hot water, then separates them with a mesh filter. This makes a strong, rich cup with a silky feel and intense taste.

The coffee world is as vast and captivating as its enthusiasts. From the bean’s unique features to the skilled roast and various brewing ways, each coffee type provides a special experience to our senses. When you next enjoy your preferred coffee, think about the amazing journey that created those flavours.