The world of coffee is a truly exciting one. You are able to explore the globe through a single cup of coffee, trying beans from different countries, each with their own history and culture. If you ever wondered what beans from different countries taste like, look no further, as we dive into the top coffee producing countries around the world.
Just a quick caveat before we get started - it is important to say that no country can be reduced down to a single taste. There is far too much diversity in growing conditions, plant species and processing methods (as well as a myriad of other factors), for this to be the case.
However, in this guide, we've put together common characteristics you might find in a coffee from a particular region. This can be used as a rough guide when shopping and looking at the contents of different coffees or blends, so you have an idea of what it may taste like.
Brazilian Coffee
Brazil is the top coffee producing country in the world, making up over a third of all coffee produced globally. It is also the number one producer of Arabica coffee beans. Because of this, when people talk about Brazilian coffee, they are most likely referring to Brazilian Arabica coffee.
Brazilian Arabica coffee beans are known for their Snicker-like taste - think milk chocolate, toasted nuts and caramel. They are super smooth and easy to drink, with a rounded, well-balanced taste.
Try For Yourself
Our Ipanema Sunrise coffee is 100% Brazilian Arabica beans. It's smooth and easy-to drink, with a chocolate sweetness, peanut warmth, and caramel softness. Naturally low in acidity and very forgiving to brew - perfect if you find some coffees to sharp.
Guatemalan Coffee
Similarly to Brazil, Guatemala is known for its Arabica coffee beans. As a predominately mountainous country, it has ideal growing conditions for Arabica plants, that prefer higher altitudes and mineral rich soil.
Flavour-wise, they are known for their smooth, well-rounded taste with notes of chocolate and toasted nuts. If grown at a higher altitude, more floral or fruity flavours will start to appear.
Try For Yourself
Our Dr Jones coffee is 100% Guatemalan Arabica beans. We chose this origin for its chocolate depth, toasted nut warmth, and rounded, steady mouthfeel. It's a darker roast, so ideal for Moka Pots and espresso - but smooth enough for daily drinking.
Colombian Coffee
Colombia is the third largest coffee producing country in the world, known for its well-balanced, mild Arabica beans. Due to its proximity to the equator, it is one of the only countries where coffee is grown across the country, with 19 different producing regions.
Colombian Arabica beans are also known for their citrus aroma, with a medium body and a clean, smooth taste. You might also taste some nutty undertones, with flavours of caramel, chocolate and spice.
Try For Yourself
Our Easy Rider coffee is 100% Colombian Arabica beans. They have a medium-dark roast, to bring out notes of smooth chocolate, roasted nuts, and soft sweetness.
Ethiopian Coffee
Known as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is where Arabica coffee plants were first discovered - growing wild in the highlands that cover much of the country. To this day, Ethiopia is known for its Arabica coffee beans, which have a unique flavour profile that is often renowned by coffee enthusiasts.
Ethiopian Arabica beans are complex and delicate in taste. They feature notes of citrus and stone-fruit, with floral or tea-like flavours. Most often, they are lightly roasted to maintain these subtle, clean flavours and more of the beans original characteristics.
Try For Yourself
Try Roof of Africa - consisting of high-grown Ethiopian Arabica beans, roasted lightly to maintain their floral character, citrus lift, and gentle stone-fruit sweetness. Clean, vibrant, and elegant, it's the opposite of a dark, bitter coffee.
Indian Coffee
India produces around 3% of global coffee production, growing both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Its Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes, primarily in the south west of the country. They are known for their bright and balanced taste, with fruity, floral and chocolatey notes.
Additionally, India is renown for its Monsoon Malabar coffee, whereby the beans undergo a unique processing method. Arabica coffee beans are exposed to monsoon wind and rain for several month, causing them to swell and lose some of their original acidity. This result in a smooth cup of coffee, with deep, rich flavours.
Robusta coffee beans are primarily grown in the south west and east of India, at a lower altitude. They are known for their higher caffeine content and full body, with rich flavours of dark chocolate, roasted nuts and earthy basenotes.
Try For Yourself
Our Walk on the Wild Side coffee is 100% Indian Robusta beans. It's super punchy, earthy, chocolatey, and packed with caffeine. We roast it dark for maximum bite.
Sumatran Coffee
Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producing country in the world, with Sumatra being the second largest of the Indonesian islands. It is a volcanic island with a tropical climate, making it ideal for growing coffee. Whilst Arabica and Robusta beans are both produced in Sumatra, it is most widely known for its Arabica coffee.
Sumatran Arabica beans are full-bodied and aromatic, with flavours of cacao, tobacco, wood, earth and a distinctive spiciness. They are often more darkly roasted, to add more richness and compliment the bolder flavours.
Try For Yourself
Our Wake the Beast coffee is 100% Sumatran Arabica beans. They are processed using a Giling Basah (wet hulled) method that gives it that distinctive earthy-savoury note, thick body, and warm spice. It's an acquired taste for some people - but once you love it, nothing else quite does the same job.