What is blended coffee?

Blended coffee is a combination of two or more coffee beans from different origins. Blends are artfully created to combine the best qualities from different beans for a well-balanced, smooth, and delicious cup of coffee. They have a broader, more appealing flavour than single origin as the qualities of each coffee are combined to complement and balance each other. 

Blends can combine coffee beans from the same region or different regions. Most cafes use a house blend designed to offer a consistent flavour, texture, and aroma which is suitable for black or milk-based coffees. Coffee blends can be combined pre-roast, meaning the beans are blended and then roasted, or post-roast, meaning the beans are combined after roasting. 

Why would you blend coffees?

There are several reasons why coffee roasters prefer blending coffees, including: 

• Flavour profile: Combining complementary qualities creates an enhanced flavour profile with more body and complexity than single origin coffees. This also allows coffee roasters to create signature coffee blends, or a house blend, that showcase their artistry.
• Consistency: Coffee blends are consistent in flavour, aroma, and texture. Beans are combined to highlight certain qualities and mute others so that every cup of coffee tastes almost identical. Single origin coffee, on the other hand, will always taste different.

• Experimentation: Blending coffee is an art that combines different flavours, aromas, and textures. Coffee roasters create blends to showcase their skill set and experiment with creating new and different flavour profiles that are balanced, complex, and delicious. It is a true art that can create a loyal and dedicated customer base. 

• Reduced costs: Some coffee roasters create blends that combine expensive specialty beans with cheaper coffees. This allows them to reduce the cost of their offerings while also offering a tasty and consistent cup of coffee.  

Why do we blend coffee beans?

We love to experiment with the unique qualities of different coffees and create complex, signature blends for our customers and cafe partners. Creating blends is our way to enhance the endless flavour profiles, textures, and aromas of different coffees to create balanced, consistent cups of coffee that are distinctive and can be enjoyed by people with different tastes and preferences. 

What is coffee cupping?

Coffee cupping is a coffee tasting technique that allows you to observe the various flavour notes in different coffees. It is used by roasters to help them decide which coffees to use in their blends and by people who want to increase their understanding of the various flavour profiles in coffee. Coffee cupping is also used by coffee producers and buyers to check the quality of coffee and score it for attributes like sweetness, acidity, aftertaste, and mouthfeel. 

This is the process of coffee cupping: 

• Line up coffee cups on a table and fill with freshly roasted and ground beans (using the same grind size) 
• Pour hot water directly into each cup
• Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes
• Mix the infusion and remove the crema (foam)
• Allow the coffee to cool and flavours to emerge
• Use two spoons. One to scoop up coffee from the cup and another one to slurp the coffee and taste
• Spit out the coffee once you have finished tasting.  

Coffee has infinite flavour notes that change depending on the weather, altitude, soil, cultivar, and region. Coffee cupping allows you to observe these different notes and identify the unique characteristics in each coffee. 

How is coffee blended?

Coffee beans are blended by gently mixing in a large purpose-built blender. The key is to combine them gently to avoid breaking the beans, and thoroughly to ensure the right distribution in each cup. A coffee blend recipe is followed to make sure beans are blended in the right proportions. 

There are two ways to create coffee blends: pre-blending and post-blending, also known as pre-roast and post-roast.

Pre-blending coffee

This is when different coffees are blended and then roasted together. It is a quicker and cheaper way to create coffee blends and often used by large commercial roasters. Pre-blending coffee is especially helpful when using modern Air Roasters that mix and roast the coffee beans using a cushion of hot air. 

Post-blending coffee

This involves roasting each coffee individually and then blending them afterward. Post-blending coffee ensures that beans don’t end up over- or under-developed during the roasting process and gives greater control over the final product. This is especially important when using conventional Drum Roasting equipment as the operator must constantly monitor the process.

Specialty coffee vs commodity coffee

Commodity coffee is a term used to describe coffee that is produced at high volumes with less attention to detail and quality. They are generally cheaper coffees that are easily accessible, such as instant coffee or coffee found in restaurants and supermarkets.  

Specialty coffee is higher-quality coffee produced with careful consideration of flavour profile and where beans are sourced. More time and resources are poured into making specialty coffee which usually has distinctive attributes, better quality control, and an ethically sourced supply chain. 

Why do we see blends more than just coffee from one source?

Coffee blends are the most popular type of coffee as they are more palatable and consistent than single origin coffees. They have a clean flavour that can be used in black coffee as well as milk-based coffees. Because coffee blends are carefully balanced, they tend to be enjoyed by a wider range of people. 

Single origin coffee, on the other hand, lacks consistency and will taste differently each time. Single origin coffee tends to have pronounced qualities, with unique aroma, acidity, and flavours that may remain unbalanced. As a result, they may be less palatable. Single origin coffees are also better suited for black coffee which allow the flavours to be better appreciated. Individual Single origin characteristics are difficult to taste in coffee with milk.

Coffee blends for espresso

An espresso blend isn’t just for espressos. Lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites are all made from shots of espresso combined with milk and foam. Coffee blends for espresso combine different coffee beans to create a balanced flavour that can be carried through milk, including soy, almond, and oat milks. An espresso blend requires more depth and complexity and offers a consistent flavour that can be enjoyed again and again. 

How to brew coffee blends vs. single origins 

Coffee blends are easy to drink and will taste good no matter which brewing technique you use, including filter coffee. They can be combined with milk or enjoyed black, and are the best option for everyday coffee drinkers who want to make a coffee without thinking too hard about it.  

Single origins, on the other hand, require more consideration when it comes to brewing. This is because each coffee bean will be different. For examplea, a coffee drinker may prefer a Colombian Coffee for breakfast and a Sumatran Mandheling for an afternoon beverage. 

Which is right for you: single origin or blend coffee?

This all depends on what you like in a coffee! If you want to experiment with different flavours, love an adventurous coffee drinking experience, and tend to drink your coffee black, then you may want to try single origin. This allows you to taste the different flavour notes from different regions, seasons, and altitudes.

If you prefer a more balanced and mellow cup of coffee, and want a consistent flavour, then coffee blends are the better choice for you. Blends are more versatile and can be enjoyed with or without milk, using any brewing method. 

Buying blend coffee online

Buy delicious specialty coffee blends online from our store and enjoy a wide range of delicious coffees from regions all over the world. Our award-winning coffee blends are freshly roasted, packed and delivered to your door, by Express Post Australia-wide. 

Single origin coffees vs blended coffee

Coffee lovers always ask whether to buy single origin or blend coffee. Here’s a quick summary of the differences:

• Source: Single origin is sourced from a single region or farm whereas blended coffee is a combination of coffee beans from different regions. 

• Flavour: Single origin has unique flavour notes while blended coffee is more balanced. 

• Consistency: No two single origin coffees will taste the same. Blend coffee, on the other hand, offers a consistent cup every time. 

• Brewing: Single origin is better suited for black coffees so that the drinker can appreciate their unique flavours, while blends can be enjoyed in both black and milk-based coffee. 

Blend Coffee – Summary

Our award-winning signature blends combine the best qualities from different coffees around the world to offer balanced, delicious cups that can be enjoyed again and again. Our signature blend can be enjoyed with a coffee subscription delivered straight to your door at the frequency you choose – so you can try our complete range or enjoy your favourite house blend over and over.