Welcome to the world of specialty coffee!
If you’ve found yourself wondering whether there’s more to coffee than the usual supermarket bag, we’re here to help.
From dark roasts that deliver rich, chocolatey satisfaction to light roasts that may have you questioning your morning routine, there’s a whole universe of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just making your way beyond the basics, we’ve put together this guide to help you.
Step 1: Flavor Notes vs. Flavored Coffee
Before we dive into the beans, let’s clear something up: when we say “chocolate and raspberry brownie,” we’re not talking about flavored coffee (because that would be weird).
These are flavor notes—subtle hints that the coffee beans carry naturally from their origin.
While some coffee labels might have you thinking you’re drinking a dessert, rest assured, there are no actual raspberries or brownies involved.
It’s all about the beans and how they’re roasted.
So don’t worry if you don’t immediately pick up on these notes; with a little practice, your palate will catch up.
Coffee Breakdown: Discover Your New Favorite Brew
We’ve sorted these beans into categories based on roast type and flavor profile. From classic dark roasts to the bright and fruity.
Here’s a handy guide to help you choose your next cup.
| Coffee Brand | Flavor Profile | Roast Level | Best Brew Method | For Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terras Atlas (Brazilian) | Chocolate & Raspberry Brownie | Dark Roast | Espresso, French Press | Lovers of rich, dessert-like coffee |
| Cworks Cherry & Caramel Brazil | Cherry & Caramel | Medium Roast | Espresso, Filter | Coffee explorers wanting to move beyond traditional dark roasts |
| Pact Coffee – Fazenda Reis | Peanut Butter Cups | Medium Roast | Espresso, Aeropress | Those looking for a familiar yet elevated flavor experience |
| Clumsy Goat – Ethiopian Sidamo | Stone Fruit, Citrus, Lemon Grass | Light Roast | Pourover, Filter | Adventurers craving a bright, fruity profile |
| Barista & Co – Sunny Days | Mixed Berries, Almonds, Vanilla | Light Roast | Pourover, Filter | Those ready to experiment with light roast brews |
| Cworks Cranberry & Pomegranate Kenya | Tangy, Fruity, Complex | Light Roast | Filter, Espresso | Bold souls who love complexity and a bit of a fruity punch |
Coffee Profiles: What’s Your Style?
1. Terras Atlas – Brazilian Dark Roast
This is your classic dark roast, but with a twist. Expect rich chocolate flavors paired with a hint of raspberry brownie. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a fuller, more indulgent coffee.
A little warning: these notes are subtle, so don’t expect an overwhelming chocolate cake experience.
The real magic happens when you get the grind and brew method just right.
2. Cworks Cherry & Caramel Brazil
Stepping away from the heavy chocolate notes, this medium roast introduces a fruitier side. Think of it as a gentle introduction into the world of complex flavors.
It’s like sipping on a cherry and caramel-infused coffee—without the syrup.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into new coffee experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Pact Coffee – Fazenda Reis
Imagine a peanut butter cup (or a close enough variation). This coffee offers a warm, comforting sweetness that will remind you of that familiar candy bar, but minus the sugar rush.
If you like espresso but want a more refined, dessert-like experience, this medium roast is your perfect match.
And hey, if you’re not a peanut butter fan, don’t worry, it’s all in the flavor notes, not the actual ingredients.
4. Clumsy Goat – Ethiopian Sidamo
Ready to kick things up a notch?
The Ethiopian Sidamo is a light roast with a burst of stone fruit, citrus, and lemon grass. It’s a coffee that demands your attention, especially if you’ve been playing it safe with darker brews.
While it may be a challenge for beginners, it’s a great pick for seasoned coffee drinkers looking to try something new and exciting.
Brew this with pourover for the best results.
5. Barista & Co – Sunny Days
Barista & Co’s Sunny Days brings the fruit-forward flavors with mixed berries, almonds, and a touch of vanilla. This one’s all about the filter, where the gentle roast can really shine.
If you’re a fan of lighter, more delicate coffees, this is your chance to experience a harmonious blend of flavors that’s perfect for those slow mornings when you need a bit of sunshine in your cup.
6. Cworks Cranberry & Pomegranate Kenya
For those who love complexity and a bit of tang, the Kenya Cranberry & Pomegranate blend is an experience in a cup.
Bursting with bright fruity notes, this light roast is a celebration of coffee from the Kirinyaga County, near Mount Kenya.
It’s a bold choice, so if you’re someone who likes to sip, savor, and dissect the nuances in your cup, this coffee will keep you entertained from the first sip to the last.
Brewing Tips for Every Level
For the Beginners:
If you’re new to the world of specialty coffee, start with something forgiving like Cworks Cherry & Caramel Brazil.
It’s not too crazy, and it will let you focus on your brewing technique without worrying about over-extracting a delicate coffee.
Once you’ve nailed that, try Pact Fazenda Reis—it’s a great way to elevate your espresso game.
For the Home Baristas:
If you’re already familiar with making espresso or French press, we’d suggest stepping up your game with Clumsy Goat Sidamo or Cworks Cranberry & Pomegranate Kenya.
These beans might challenge your brewing skills, but trust us, the payoff is worth it. You’ll be brewing like a pro in no time (and maybe even start using words like “mouthfeel”).
For the Adventurers:
For those ready to take a leap, Barista & Co Sunny Days is a light roast worth experimenting with. It’s not your average cup, and it’ll keep your taste buds on their toes.
Brew it with pourover for the smoothest experience, and be prepared to taste something that might surprise you.
Final Thoughts: The Coffee Adventure Awaits
So, what’s the moral of the story? Coffee isn’t just about waking up. It’s about exploring flavors, experimenting with different roasts, and finding your perfect brew.
Whether you’re all about the dark, comforting chocolate notes, or you’re looking for something bright and zesty, there’s a coffee out there that’s just right for you.
But, don’t take our word for it. Grab a few bags, dust off your grinder, and start brewing. The coffee world is waiting for you, one sip at a time.
Happy brewing! ☕
