Do you love starting your day with a great cup of coffee? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, many people consider coffee to be an essential part of their morning routine.
But what if you could take your love for coffee one step further and start sourcing your beans from some of the best countries in the world? Here’s a list of the best countries to buy coffee from (in alphabetical order), so that you can make sure each morning starts with the absolute best cup.
Brazil
This might surprise you: Brazil is the largest coffee grower in the world? It shouldn’t be surprising then that Brazil also makes some of the best coffee in the world.
Brazilian coffee isn’t for everyone. It can be a little sweet, and there are slight differences in what you may have come to expect from different types of coffee. For example, there’s less acid given that the bean are dark roasted, and you’ll get something a little milder when you opt for espresso.
If you’re familiar with Colombian coffee, which is described in detail below, you know it’s pretty fruity. Brazilian coffee offers more nut and chocolate notes, giving it a different and distinctive flavor.
Colombia
Ask someone on the street where the best coffee in the world comes from, and you might get a response a little like this: “I don’t know … Colombia, maybe?”
Colombia owns perhaps the best coffee reputation, and that reputation has been 100% earned. The country produces a high-quality Arabica that is renowned throughout the world. Colombian coffee is sorted by quality (Supremo, Extra and Excelso) and by size. That said, some quality-size combinations are difficult to come by — like Supremo Grande coffee beans. Extra grade coffee is still delicious if you can’t find true Supremo, offering a classic coffee flavor and unmistakable aroma. If you start a search for the best country for coffee beans, start with Colombia.
Costa Rica
Costa Rican coffee has a classic taste and good reputation. Why? Perhaps it’s because Costa Rican coffee is typically fully washed and sun-dried. Or maybe it’s because Costa Rican coffees are generally wet-processed Arabica coffees. Either way, it’s hard to beat Costa Rica as a coffee-producing country.
Geography also plays an important role in Costa Rican coffee production. The coffee beans that grow on Costa Rica’s volcanic soils are smooth, soft, and have a rich walnut-lie flavor. The three most famous Costa Rican coffee bean varieties are Margarita, Cashier, and Costa Rica. The industry is even protected by the government. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world with specific legislation regulating coffee production. Growing regions in Costa Rica are separated into four main regions: West Valley, Central Valley, Tarrazu, and Brunca. Different regions will produce slightly different tasting coffees.
Costa Rican coffee is a representation of quality, due to the country’s growing conditions, processing methods, and cup profiles. And you’ll experience that quality when you find the right Costa Rican beans for your morning cup.
Ethiopia
South and Central America are known for coffee. But Africa? You can indeed get a great cup from Africa, and it’s best to start with beans from Ethiopia.
The country is especially famous for its Harrar variety, which is coffee from small farms located in the highlands in the eastern portion of the country. Coffee from this region features a taste akin to that of fine, and it does include some astringency. Ethiopian coffee can sometimes taste slightly spicy or fruity depending on the specific conditions under which the beans grew.
The bottom line is that Ethiopian coffee is unique, and that’s what many coffee lovers are searching for — something different.
Guatemala
Guatemalan is one of the heavyweight bean growers in a region that’s known for coffee. This is partly due to the mountains near where coffee is grown. These mountains create the ideal conditions for growing the beans that include the smokiness and intense flavor that Guatemalan coffee is known for.
The country’s proximity to the ocean also means that Guatemalan coffee may occasionally have a light, bright flavor with pronounced acidic tones. Guatemalan coffee is typically sorted into two categories: “Antigua Volcanic” and “Guatemala shade-grown.” Guatemalan coffee growers have developed a reputation for producing high-quality, sophisticated coffee that is prized by coffee enthusiasts around the globe.
Indonesia
Asia is another continent often overlooked for its coffee prowess, but Indonesia is a fantastic country from which to buy your beans. The people of Indonesia love their coffee, too, as evidenced by the capital city of Jakarta serving as home to the highest concentration of Starbucks locations in the world — two for every 100,000 people.
Indonesia’s Jambi province is well-known for its coffee, which is a rare type called Liberica. Kopi Tubruk is another popular variety, one that is made using coarse grounds that are then boiled with sugar to create a coffee that is sweet, thick and almost like milk. Kopi Tubruk is a well-known tradition in local cultures.
Much like some coffee lovers miss out on varieties from Africa, they also miss out on varieties from Asia. But, if you’d like to explore the continent’s beans, start with Indonesia.
Italy
Italy doesn’t grow its own bean. Rather, it imports beans from other countries and then puts the nation’s unique twist on them. It’s all about the blending.
Italians blend different types of coffee to achieve unique flavors. This is how famous Italian coffees like espressos and cappuccinos are made. Even people who don’t typically like coffee will spring from one of Italy’s blends from time to time.
If you happen to visit Italy, you won’t want to miss one of these unique blends.
Jamaica
Jamaican coffee is world-renowned for its unique flavor and smooth aroma. The coffee beans are grown in large plantations on the Jamaican hillsides, and the coffee is carefully regulated by the Jamaican government to ensure its quality. Jamaican coffee is typically more expensive than other types of coffee, with a 16-ounce bag costing around $60. Despite its high price, Jamaican coffee is still one of the most popular types of coffee in the world. Thanks to its unique flavor and smooth texture, Jamaican coffee is a favorite among coffee connoisseurs. If you’re looking for a truly unique cup of coffee, Jamaican coffee is definitely worth trying.
Explore the World Through Coffee
Trying different coffees from different nations gives you the chance to explore the world from the comforts of your own home. If you like me, you even french press your coffee, which brings another tradition from another country into the mix.
Where do you like to get your coffee beans? Let us know in the comments section, or share your country of choice via our contact form.
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