Blends
What is a blend?
In coffee, a blend is a mixture of two or more different coffee beans combined to create a balanced, consistent, or unique flavour profile.
Why are blends used?
- Balance: One bean might be bright and fruity, another rich and chocolatey. Blending gives you a rounded cup.
- Consistency: Single-origin beans can vary seasonally; blends help cafés keep the same taste year-round.
- Complexity: Combining beans can create flavour notes that a single origin can’t achieve alone.
- Cost control: More affordable beans can soften the price of rare or premium beans.
What goes into a blend?
- Different origins (e.g., Brazil + Colombia + Ethiopia)
- Different processing methods (washed, natural, honey, wet hulled)
- Different roast levels (though usually roasted together or matched carefully)
Examples
- A café’s “house blend” might mix Brazil (chocolate/nuts) + Colombia (caramel/fruit) + Ethiopia (floral/citrus).
- An espresso blend might combine a base bean for body with an accent bean for brightness.
