Ever stood in front of a wall of obscure bags of coffee beans and wondered which one to go for? If so, you aren’t alone. There is no shortage of coffee bean varieties on the market today, but for many people, there is a shortage of guidance for which ones to choose (and which to avoid).
If you’ve spent many bewildered minutes in the coffee aisle during your weekly shop or have tried brewing your coffee at home already and have been unimpressed with the results, this is the blog for you. We’ll explore which coffee beans are the best, how to navigate different roast levels, and the brewing basics. You’ll be a confident coffee creator before you know it.
What Exactly Makes for a ‘Good’ Coffee Bean?
There is no single answer to which coffee beans are good and which aren’t. They don’t fall under one particular variety, origin, or roast level. The best coffee beans are the ones that match your particular taste, your brewing method, and your routine – and that will probably mean a different bean for everyone.
Of course, coffee beans should be ethically sourced and easily traced to their place of origin. But when it comes down to the taste, that just depends on what you like. Here are some general pointers to help you choose a good coffee bean:
- A Clear Roast Date (not Just Best Before): Coffee beans should be consumed within 8 - 10 weeks after roasting for the best flavour profile.
- No clear country of origin.
- Avoid broken or damaged packaging.
Which Coffee Beans are the Best?
The best coffee beans for you will depend on how you like to drink your coffee. Do you like it black or with milk? Do you enjoy coffee made with a French press? These are all completely valid ways of enjoying your coffee, but they call for different coffee beans and roasting styles.
Here are some good matches as a starting point:
- If you like Your Coffee With Milk: Start with a medium roast espresso blend.
- If you like Your Coffee Black: Single-origin coffee beans are great as the origin character and its flavours will really come through.
Do Roast Levels Really Make a Difference?
You’ve probably heard the terms ‘medium roast’ and ‘dark roast’ before, but may not have really thought about what they mean. Roast levels are critical in determining your coffee beans’ flavour, and how well the coffee will extract during brewing.
For example, a medium roast is generally sweeter and has more origin character. A dark roast, on the other hand, sits at the heavier end of the flavour scale and might taste even chocolatey. Dark roast coffee can even taste harsh or bitter if it’s taken too far.
Buying Good Coffee Beans in Australia: A Checklist
So, ready to buy your first bag of coffee beans? Here is a quick checklist to follow to be sure you’re getting the best bag for you:
- Do the beans have a clear and recent roast date?
- Are they whole beans?
- Does the roaster explain the coffee in plain language, with no jargon?
- Does the coffee match your preferred brew method?
If the answer to all of those questions is “yes”, then you’re well on your way to a delicious cup of coffee from Inglewood Coffee Roasters. Our range of coffee beans has a huge variety of options to get you started.