Unlike choosing coffee simply by brand or price, speciality coffee gives you the opportunity to explore different flavours, aromas and brewing styles. Whether you use an espresso machine, cafetière, AeroPress or pour-over brewer, understanding a few basics can help you find coffee that suits your taste.

In this beginner-friendly guide, WildKin Coffee Company explains what to look for when buying speciality coffee beans and how to choose the right beans for your home brewing routine.

What Are Speciality Coffee Beans?

Speciality coffee generally refers to coffee that meets recognised quality standards and is carefully produced throughout the journey from farm to cup. Attention is given to factors such as growing conditions, harvesting, processing, roasting and brewing.

Speciality coffee can offer a broader range of flavours than many conventional coffees. Depending on the beans and how they are roasted, you may notice tasting notes such as chocolate, caramel, nuts, berries, citrus or floral aromas.

For beginners, the most important thing is not to worry about understanding every technical term. Start by discovering which flavours and styles you personally enjoy.

1. Check the Coffee Bean Origin

One of the first things to look at when buying speciality coffee is the origin.

Coffee is grown in countries across Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. The growing region, climate, altitude and soil can all influence the characteristics of the beans.

For example, coffees from Ethiopia are often associated with bright, fruity or floral flavours, while coffees from Brazil can have sweeter, nutty or chocolatey characteristics.

However, these are general tendencies rather than strict rules. Processing and roasting also have a major influence on the final flavour.

If you are buying speciality coffee for the first time, trying beans from different origins can be a great way to discover your preferences.

2. Choose the Right Roast Level

The roast level can significantly affect how your coffee tastes.

Light Roast

Lightly roasted beans generally retain more of the characteristics associated with their origin. They can have brighter acidity and fruity or floral tasting notes.

Medium Roast

Medium roasts offer a balance between the natural characteristics of the coffee and flavours developed during roasting. You may find notes of caramel, chocolate, fruit or nuts.

Dark Roast

Dark roasted coffee usually has a bolder, heavier flavour profile, often with notes of dark chocolate, spice or roasted flavours.

There is no universally "best" roast. Your ideal roast depends entirely on your personal preference and brewing method.

3. Look at the Roast Date

Freshness matters when buying speciality coffee beans.

Rather than simply checking a best-before date, look for the roast date where it is provided. Coffee beans contain aromatic compounds that gradually change after roasting.

Buying freshly roasted coffee can help you enjoy more of the flavours intended by the roaster. However, coffee does not necessarily need to be consumed immediately after roasting. Many coffees benefit from a short resting period before brewing.

For the best results, buy an amount that you can comfortably use while the coffee is still fresh.

4. Buy Whole Beans if Possible

If you have a coffee grinder at home, buying whole beans is often a good choice.

Grinding coffee increases the surface area exposed to air, which means ground coffee can lose its freshness more quickly. Grinding your beans shortly before brewing helps preserve their aroma and flavour.

A good-quality burr grinder can also provide a more consistent grind than many basic blade grinders.

If you do not have a grinder, quality pre-ground coffee can still produce a good cup. Just make sure you choose a grind size appropriate for your brewing method.

5. Match Your Beans to Your Brewing Method

Your brewing method should influence the type of coffee you buy.

Espresso: Medium to medium-dark roasts are popular for espresso, although lighter roasts can also work well with the right recipe.

Cafetière/French press: Medium and medium-dark coffees can work particularly well, especially when you enjoy a fuller-bodied cup.

Pour-over: Light to medium roasts are often chosen to highlight delicate flavours and acidity.

AeroPress: This versatile brewer can work with a wide range of roast levels, allowing you to experiment with different beans.

There are no hard rules. Experimenting with different beans and recipes is part of the enjoyment of speciality coffee.

6. Pay Attention to Tasting Notes

You may notice descriptions such as "chocolate", "caramel", "orange", "berry" or "hazelnut" on speciality coffee packaging.

These descriptions are not usually added ingredients. They describe flavours and aromas that may be perceived when drinking the coffee.

If you already enjoy certain foods, these tasting notes can provide a useful starting point.

For example, if you enjoy chocolate and nuts, you may prefer a coffee described with chocolate, caramel or nutty notes. If you prefer fruity drinks, a coffee with berry or citrus notes may be worth trying.

7. Consider the Processing Method

Coffee processing refers to how the coffee fruit is handled after harvesting to remove the fruit from the coffee seed.

Common methods include washed, natural and honey processing.

Washed coffees are often associated with clean and bright flavours. Natural coffees can have pronounced fruity and sweet characteristics, while honey-processed coffees can offer a balance between sweetness and clarity.

Processing is another useful factor to explore as your coffee knowledge develops.

8. Buy From a Specialist Coffee Roaster

Buying from a specialist coffee company can make it easier to understand where your coffee comes from and how it has been roasted.

Look for useful information such as origin, roast profile, processing method, tasting notes and recommended brewing methods.

WildKin Coffee Company offers coffee for people who want to explore quality beans and enjoy better coffee at home. Starting with smaller quantities or different varieties can help you discover what suits your palate before committing to larger purchases.

9. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

There is no single coffee bean that is perfect for everyone.

Your preferences may change as you try different origins, roast levels and brewing methods. You might begin with a medium roast and later discover that you prefer the brighter character of a light roast.

Try changing one variable at a time and keep a note of the coffees you enjoy. Over time, you will develop a much clearer idea of what you like.

Buying speciality coffee beans in the UK does not need to be complicated. Start by considering the origin, roast level, roast date, tasting notes, processing method and brewing method.

Most importantly, choose coffee based on your own taste rather than simply following trends. Trying different beans is one of the best ways to discover your preferences and make your home coffee routine more enjoyable. With WildKin Coffee Company, you can explore speciality coffee and discover beans suited to different tastes and brewing styles.

People Also Ask

What are speciality coffee beans?

Speciality coffee beans are high-quality coffees that are carefully produced, processed, roasted and brewed, with attention given to factors such as origin, quality and flavour.

How do I choose speciality coffee beans?

Start by considering the roast level, origin, tasting notes, roast date and your preferred brewing method. Choose flavours that match your personal preferences.

Are speciality coffee beans worth it?

For many coffee drinkers, speciality beans are worth trying because they can offer more distinctive flavours and greater variety than standard coffee.

What is the best roast for beginners?

A medium roast can be a good starting point because it often provides a balanced combination of sweetness, body and acidity.

Should I buy whole coffee beans or ground coffee?

Whole beans are generally preferable if you have a grinder because grinding immediately before brewing can help preserve freshness and aroma.

How long do speciality coffee beans stay fresh?

Coffee gradually loses freshness after roasting. For the best flavour, follow the roaster's guidance and store your beans in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture.

Which coffee beans are best for a cafetière?

Medium to medium-dark roasted beans are popular for cafetière brewing, although the best choice ultimately depends on your preferred flavour profile.

What does "tasting notes" mean on coffee?

Tasting notes describe flavours and aromas that you may perceive in the coffee, such as chocolate, caramel, citrus, berries or nuts. They do not necessarily mean those ingredients have been added.