Single-origin coffee has been having a bit of a moment lately. It’s not even just a “coffee snob” thing anymore more people are starting to care about where their beans come from, how they taste, and what makes each region different. I’ll admit, I used to think single-origin was just another buzzword. But after trying a few, I get it now.
Over the past few months, I’ve been trying different bags from roasters who focus on single-origin beans. Some were wild. Some didn’t hit. But a bunch really impressed me. If you’re curious about getting into this side of coffee, here are 12 brands that are killing it right now.
These aren’t ranked or anything, just ones I’ve personally enjoyed or seen blowing up in the coffee crowd.
1. Onyx Coffee Lab
Everything I’ve had from Onyx tastes super clean and layered. Their Ethiopia Worka was crazy bright, like actual fruit juice. They go deep into where the beans come from too, which is cool if you’re into traceability.
2. Verve Coffee Roasters
Verve’s got a Costa Rica roast I keep going back to. It’s got this mellow sweetness without being boring. They’re also really consistent I’ve ordered a few times and never had a bad batch.
3. Heart Coffee Roasters
This one’s out of Portland, and they do mostly light roasts. I tried a Colombia roast that had some subtle lime and floral notes, and it actually worked. It’s a nice change if you’re tired of typical chocolatey beans.
4. Sey Coffee
If you want something that really tastes different, Sey is worth checking out. I had a washed Kenyan roast that tasted like black tea and grapefruit. It wasn’t my usual style, but I kind of loved how weird it was.
5. Methodical Coffee
Their bags are nice to look at, but the beans are what really got me. Tried a Burundi roast that was sweet and a little earthy. It felt calming somehow. It’s not flashy, just well done.
6. Equator Coffees
I got their Guatemala roast recently, and it had a really warm, nutty vibe to it. Good for pour overs or even espresso. Their single-origin line feels a bit more bold than others, but it works.
7. Cat & Cloud
This brand’s been showing up everywhere lately. Tried a Rwanda roast and it had this red fruit thing going on. Took me a few cups to get used to it, but now I’m into it. The founders are ex-baristas, so they know what they’re doing.
8. Passenger Coffee
This one’s kind of under the radar but should be way more known. I tried a Peruvian roast that tasted like milk chocolate with a hint of lemon. Weird combo, but somehow it worked. Super fresh, too.
9. Blue Bottle (Single-Origin Line)
Yeah, I know they’re big now, but their single-origin bags still hold up. Their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe roast is solid. It’s floral, light, and works well as a pour over. Kind of a safe intro if you’re new to single-origin.
10. Temple Coffee
Temple’s roast from Honduras was super drinkable. Smooth with a kind of brown sugar thing going on. Their bags come with a ton of info about the farm, which I actually read because I’m a nerd now.
11. Ruby Coffee Roasters
This Wisconsin-based roaster has some cool stuff. Their Colombian roast had a bright, juicy taste but wasn’t too sharp. I like how they balance interesting flavors with a comfy finish.
12. Greater Goods Coffee Co.
They do a nice job with sourcing. I had a single-origin roast from Mexico that was smooth, a little spicy, and kind of cocoa-ish. Felt perfect for a slow morning. Bonus: they give back a portion of profits, which is cool.
Final Thoughts
Single-origin doesn’t always mean better, but it does usually mean you’ll taste something a little more unique. It’s like getting coffee with a story behind it you’re not just drinking beans, you’re sipping a piece of a place.
I still love a good blend now and then, but when I want to sit down and actually think about what I’m tasting, single-origin is where it’s at. If you’ve got one you swear by that’s not on this list, send it my way. Always open to adding more to the collection.
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