Single Origin or Blend? A Coffee Lover’s Guide

Ah, the great debate–single origin vs. blend. It’s the coffee world’s version of Team Edward or Team Jacob.

Whether you’re new to coffee or already swearing allegiance to your favorite side, let’s get into it. What’s the difference between single origin and blends? And which one is right for you?

What Is Single Origin Coffee?

Let’s start with the fancy one. Single-origin coffee is like the fine wine of the coffee world. It comes from one place—one farm, one region, one country. It’s a coffee that hasn’t mingled with other beans at a party. Think of it as the introverted wallflower of the coffee world—rare, distinct, and with a backstory that sounds like a Netflix documentary.

Because single-origin coffee is so specific to its location, you get to experience the unique flavors of that region’s soil, climate, and altitude. One cup might have hints of fruity Ethiopian berries, while another gives you earthy, nutty vibes from Brazil. It’s all about showcasing the coffee’s true personality—no blending, no distractions.

What Is A Coffee Blend?

Now, let’s talk about blends, the social butterflies of coffee. A blend is when coffee beans from different regions combine to create a harmonious flavor profile. Like the Avengers, each bean brings something special to the table.

Blends are all about balance. While single origin is a solo act, blends are a carefully crafted symphony. They create a consistent flavor that hits all the right notes, no matter what beans are in the mix. Coffee roasters (like us) take the best characteristics from each origin and mix them, creating a brew that’s reliable, smooth, and perfect for your daily cup.

Single Origin: The Coffee Purist’s Dream

If you’re the type who likes to dissect every flavor in your cup (“I’m getting notes of stone fruit, with a hint of caramelized sugar…”), single-origin is your jam. It’s for the coffee lover who wants to taste the story behind the bean—the terroir, the farmer’s techniques, the environmental factors that give that coffee its unique flavor. Every cup is a new experience, perfect for those who like to switch things up.

Blends: The Reliable BFF

Blends are for those of us who want to start the day without surprises. They’re balanced, reliable, and perfect for your morning ritual. If you’re just trying to get a good cup of coffee without thinking too hard about it, blends have your back. You know exactly what you’re getting every time–no surprises.

The Final Brew

Good news: you don’t have to choose sides! Experimenting with both is how you’ll discover what you really love—and isn’t that the whole point?

At Rootless, we roast both single origins and blends because we know every coffee drinker’s needs are different. Some days you want to savor the complexity of a single origin, and other days you just want a damn good cup of coffee without overthinking. We get it.

Take our Damn Fine Cup of Coffee, a blend of beans from Brazil and Peru roasted to a light/medium profile. It delivers a smooth chocolate and nutty taste that’s perfectly balanced for your daily brew. 

On the single-origin side, there’s Berry Kiss—a bright and juicy Ethiopian roast that packs a sweet berry punch with every sip. It’s roasted light to highlight the natural flavors, hitting just the right balance without being too tart or overpowering.

So, there you have it: the lowdown on single origin vs. blends. Neither is better or worse—it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. 

Now, excuse us while we go brew a cup of both.