Single Origin Coffee vs. Blends: Which is Right for Your Cup?

Whether you’re new to the coffee scene or consider yourself an aficionado, you’ve probably come across descriptions like “single origin” and “blend” when shopping for beans or scanning the drinks menu at your favourite cafe. But what do they mean and how can understanding the difference help you find a coffee that suits your taste? We dive into what sets singles and blends apart, and which one’s best for your cup of choice. 

What’s it All About and Why Should You Care?

Learning the difference between single origin coffees and blends isn’t about becoming a coffee snob. It’s about enhancing your enjoyment of coffee whether you’re brewing at home or ordering out. Once you explore both options, you’ll have a better understanding of what you really enjoy in a coffee and can spend more time drinking what’s guaranteed to hit the spot. 

Additionally, as much as we hate to say it, we all have that one mate who says they ‘don’t like coffee’. Our counter? Maybe they’ve simply never tried the right blend or single. You could be the one to open their eyes to a brew they come to love.

In short, the main difference between single origin coffee and a blend is that singles offer unique, region-specific flavours, while blends provide a balanced, consistent taste from multiple sources.

What is Single Origin Coffee? 

Single origin coffee is sourced from one specific coffee growing region, be it a single country or even farm. This coffee tends to be processed uniformly – either natural, washed or honey – and showcases the distinct characteristics of its origin, derived from the environment in which the coffee was grown. 

The most exciting part of single origin coffees is the diverse flavour profiles it offers. Because these beans are grown in similar conditions, they capture the essence of their origin’s unique climate and soil. Tasting notes can range from fruity, floral and citrus to earthy, chocolatey or nutty.  

Here’s a glimpse of what you might expect from some popular origins, including ones we’ve featured on rotation at Will & Co: 

• Colombia: A diverse origin with everything from chocolate and caramel sweetness to bright tropical fruit. Typically, a clean cup with medium acidity. 
• Ethiopia: Complex and vibrant fruity, floral and tea-like notes with higher acidity and medium body. 
• Indonesia: Earthy, bold and rich, with notes like dark chocolate and tobacco. Gentle acidity but full body.
• Kenya: Lighter in body but often with rich, bright notes like red berry, floral and dark chocolate.
• Nicaragua: Bright acidity reminiscent of tropical and citrus fruits, often complemented by dark chocolate notes.
• Peru: Balanced with medium body, acidity and sweetness. Typically, a bright cup with smooth chocolate, nutty and pear notes. 

4 Reasons a Single Origin Might Be Right for You 

1. Distinct flavours: Especially great for adventurous palates, single origin coffees provide a wide spectrum of flavours, letting you explore unique and vibrant notes.
2. Traceability: Single origin coffees often offer better traceability, connecting you to the farm and producer behind your cup.  
3. Quality: With singles, there’s little room to hide imperfections, often resulting in a purer, higher-quality brew. 
4. Ideal for alternative and black coffee brewing: Single origins shine as a black coffee in slow brewing methods like V60, AeroPress, plunger or cold brew – meaning they’re perfect to bring along on camping, fishing and surfing trips. 

Considerations for Single Origin Coffees 

Single origin coffees are subject to more variability due to seasonal changes and growing conditions, making it tricky to maintain a consistent flavour from one crop to another. That being said, if you buy from top-quality coffee roasters like Will & Co, you can rest assured you’ll receive a consistently quality product. 

Additionally, if you prefer milk-based coffees, single origins don’t always work. Singles are generally a lighter roast vs blended coffee, so the nuanced flavours can be overshadowed by milk, which may not justify the typically higher price tag.  

What is a Coffee Blend? 

A coffee blend combines beans from different origins, often two to four, to create a balanced and harmonious profile. Historically, some roasters used blends to mask lower-quality beans, but today’s specialty blends are carefully crafted from high-quality beans, designed to bring out the best of each origin.

To learn more about specialty coffee, see our post, What's all the fuss about specialty coffee?

Blends are all about creating a consistent, smooth and well-rounded coffee that’s enjoyable day in and day out. They often combine beans from various processing methods – like washed and natural – to add depth and balance. The resilience of blends lies in their adaptability; if one origin’s crop is lacking, roasters can adjust accordingly while maintaining the blend’s signature flavour. 

To help illustrate how different origins come together to craft a unique blend, we’ve broken down the impact of each origin in one of our signature blends, Three-Oh-Three:

Three-Oh-Three is a blend of beans from Brazil, Colombia and Zimbabwe. The Brazilian beans lay a base of caramel sweetness and creates body while the Colombian introduces gentle acidity and crisp yellow fruit flavours.

We then added beans from Zimbabwe which bring delicate berry notes – the icing on the cake. Together, these origins create a well-balanced yet complex blend.  

3 Reasons a Blend Might Be Right for You 

1. Balanced flavours: Blends are crafted to be smooth and approachable, perfect for those who enjoy a consistent, easy-drinking cup. They’re typically more subdued in flavour compared to the striking uniqueness of single origins. 
2. Consistency: Blends offer year-round reliability, maintaining a steady profile even as crops vary. So, if you’re someone who doesn’t like to mess with a good thing, blends may be right for you. 
3. Espresso drinkers – especially milk-coffees: If you’re a cappuccino, flat white or latte drinker, listen up. Blends shine in espresso and milk-based drinks, providing a well-rounded base that cuts through milk. 

Considerations for Coffee Blends 

If you’re a fan of big, punchy flavours when it comes to coffee, blends might not be the right choice for you. While you can still find super interesting and unique blends out there, they tend to be on the tamer side. So, if you’re keen to really experience the far ends of the flavour spectrum – from tasting notes to aromas to acidity – you’ll probably want to go down the single origin route.

Head-to-Head Comparison - Our Thoughts

How to Dip Your Toe into Singles and Blends 

Ready to start tasting and comparing, but not sure where to begin?  

When it comes to single origins, start with more approachable origins like Brazil or Costa Rica. If you find yourself wanting something a bit more interesting, consider a more adventurous option like Ethiopia or Kenya. You can also explore different processing methods; washed coffees will give you a cleaner coffee, while honey and natural will bring out more acidity, sweetness and fruity flavours. 

If you typically drink singles but are keen to enter the world of blends, we recommend starting with a lighter roast. Typically, these retain more of the distinct characteristics of each origin, like you'd experience with a single. When considering the origins of the blend, there are a couple of ways to go about it: look for one with an origin similar to what you typically go for with singles, otherwise go for a blend that includes an African origin – they’re known for their unique and distinctive flavours. 

All Things Considered... 

Both single origin coffees and blends have their strengths, and exploring both can elevate your coffee experience. The next time you’re picking out coffee, consider your preferences and brewing style and don’t hesitate to ask your local roaster for advice.

Hot tip: browsing our range of premium coffee beans or checking out Will & Co’s HQ Tasting Bar in Bondi is a good place to start. 

Happy brewing!