What is a "blend" in coffee?

A "blend" in coffee refers to a mixture of coffees sourced from various origins or produced through different processing methods. This practice allows roasters to combine beans that have distinct flavor profiles, acidity levels, and aromas, creating a final product that offers a more complex and balanced taste than any single-origin coffee could provide. By carefully selecting and blending these diverse beans, coffee producers aim to achieve specific flavor characteristics, ensuring consistency and quality in their offerings.

Blends can be crafted to highlight certain flavor notes or to create a harmonious experience on the palate, appealing to a wide range of coffee drinkers. This approach is fundamental to many coffee companies' identities, as it allows them to create signature flavors that define their brand. In contrast, a single-origin coffee focuses on showcasing the unique flavors associated with a specific region or producer, which distinguishes it from a blend.