Top 5 of Pure Origin Coffees

What is a Pure Origin coffee?

Pure Origin vs. Blend

As the name suggests, a pure origin coffee is made up entirely of beans from one sole geographical location, one sole terroir. It differs in that respect from a “blend”, which includes beans from various areas that have been mixed to produce a balanced taste. As with wine, the terroir (the nature of the soil, the climate, exposure to sunlight, botanical species) and the way the beans are harvested and processed (the drying method used, for example) have a real impact on the final product. Terroir coffee always has a unique and typical character. Indeed, newcomers are often taken aback by its distinct taste, which can be completely different to the standardised “coffee flavour” that we’re used to. As surprising as it may seem, pure origin coffees are a relatively recent trend that started out on the West Coast of the USA.

Taking it slowly

I’ll start with a word of warning: although pure origin coffees might be all the rage just now! It’s best to go gently to begin with, as the strength of flavours may take you by surprise if you’re trying them for the very first time! But why? Well put simply, our palates have become accustomed over the years to a mainstream coffee taste, forced upon us by big companies and roasters whose sole aim is to create coffees that please the greatest number of people. But for the more curious among you, I’ve put together a starter selection of pure origin coffees, from the most accessible to the most surprising! Taste buds at the ready!

Indonesia – Cosmai Specialty Coffee Beans

This first choice may appear to come somewhat out of left field… Yet Indonesia is currently ranked as the world’s fourth biggest coffee producer! And this 100% Arabica coffee beans is a great place to start. It is grown at 1200 metres of altitude by a cooperative of farms in Tanjung Breinging, in the north of the island of Sumatra. It presents a balanced flavours with fruity, jasmine and citrus notes. Selected by Italian brand Cosmai, the coffee beans are roasted longer than average in the finest Italian traditions. Full-bodied with a thick crema and a long finish, I recommend drinking this coffee as espresso or ristretto. It is perfectly accessible for newcomers to pure origin coffee, but still has the capacity to surprise your taste buds.

Colombie Supremo – Café Richard

Colombian coffee is grown primarily in the Andes Mountains, at anywhere between 1,300 and 1,900 metres above sea level. This grand cru Arabica coffee beans presents characteristically fruity aromas. But it also offers a light acidity, whether drunk as an espresso or a filter coffee. It will be a sure-fire hit for all lovers of strong coffee, thanks to its longer roast time.

Café Pure Origine Costa Rica – La Grange

We are in the presence of an exceptional coffee produced by award-winning French roaster Vincent Ballot. The coffee grown in Costa Rica is considered to be among the very best in the world. The country has earned its reputation thanks to a climate that is particularly well-suited to the coffee plant. But also, and above all, thanks to the fact that Costa Rican coffee beans tend to be picked by hand, resulting in a riper and more selective harvest. Particular care is also given to the way in which the coffee is grown – coffee producers in Costa Rica often use organic methods, and have done so for many years. This 100% Arabica coffee is grown on the Las Lajas plantation, which produces organic coffees grown at altitudes of between 1400 and 1600 metres. This ancient plantation offers coffee that is steeped in history and rich in flavour. And the taste? Expect indulgent chocolate and almond notes, and a lemony finish.

El Salvador – Goppion Caffe

All Goppion coffees are roasted by hand in Italy in a modern roasting plant belonging to the family business Goppion Caffe. The coffees are roasted using the traditional slow roasting method. Goppion’s El Savador coffee is an exceptional coffee that grows in the volcanic mountains of the Cordillera Del Balsamo.

Brazil, Cerrado Mineiro – Cafés Lugat

And last but not least, I give you… a blend! That’s right, certain blends can still be classified as “pure origin” if all the coffee beans come from the same geographical region. This exceptional Arabica blend (Mundo Novo/Catuai) is made up of coffee beans from three high-altitude farms in the Cerrado region. They have been selected because of their similarity with one another, not to mention the exceptional quality of their flavours (which are rich in gourmet aromas). This blend has a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) label certifying that the coffee originates from the Cerrado Mineiro region. The coffee plants are grown at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1300 metres; they are renowned for producing consistently high quality coffee with a unique identity.

Pure origin coffees offer a unique and distinct flavor profile, and each coffee has its own special characteristics that make it stand out from the rest. Whether you prefer bright acidity, fruity flavor notes, or a smooth and clean taste, there’s a pure origin coffee out there for you. We hope that this guide as given you a better understanding of the pure origin coffees, and helps you navigate your way around a selection of roasters, so you can find your favorite cup of coffee. Remember, it’s all about finding the perfect blend to suit your taste buds!