Single-origin coffee vs. coffee blends: what's the difference?

If you're a coffee lover, you've likely encountered the terms single-origin coffee and coffee blends. At Smoking Gun Coffee, we offer many single-origins, like our beloved Ethiopia Yirgacheffe as well as blends. In fact, our marquee coffee is our Show Pony Espresso Blend - it's even won awards!

But what's the difference between a single-origin and a blend? For some it may be obvious that one uses a single kind of coffee bean from a single place and blends use a variety, but the important question is how do they impact the taste of your morning cup?

Let’s dive into the delicious details of these two coffee types, their unique characteristics, and why both deserve a spot in your coffee rotation.

What is Single-Origin Coffee?
The term "single-origin" refers to coffee sourced from a specific region, country, or even a single farm. This pinpointed origin gives the coffee a distinct profile influenced by the local climate, altitude, and soil. It’s like tasting a snapshot of a particular place in every sip.

Why People Love Single-Origin Coffee
Unique Flavours: Single-origin coffees often have bold, identifiable flavour notes like fruity Ethiopian coffees or chocolaty Colombian beans.

Transparency: Knowing the exact source of your coffee can make you feel connected to the farmers and their practices.

Purity: Without a mix of beans, the natural flavours of the region shine.

The Drawbacks
Single-origin coffee can sometimes lack balance, as it emphasizes specific flavour notes without blending to smooth things out. If you really like bold, forward flavours, like blueberry or lemon, you might love coffee from the Yirgacheffe region in Ethiopia, for instance. A potential draw back is single-origins can be pricier due to scarcity, limited crop yields and environmental conditions.

What is a Coffee Blend?
Blends combine beans from different regions or farms, creating a harmonious and balanced profile. This artful mix is where roasters like the team hear at Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters get to experiment and craft signature flavours and profiles designed for specific uses.

For instance, our top-seller Show Pony is comprised mostly of beans from Colombia and Honduras to create a chocolatey, nutty and sweet espresso shot. But, there's just enough Ethiopian beans in Show Pony to add a pleasing citrus quality that makes an incredibly vibrant and pleasant espresso shot. It's why we use it on our bar in our Chilliwack coffee shop every day!

Why People Love Coffee Blends
Consistency: Blends are designed to taste the same, cup after cup, making them reliable favourites.

Complexity: Combining beans can create a layered flavour experience that balances sweetness, acidity, and body.

Accessibility: Blends are often more affordable, offering high-quality coffee at a reasonable price.

The Drawbacks
For purists, blends might feel less authentic, as they don’t always showcase the unique characteristics of a single origin. Or, if you're adventurous you might want to notice the difference between different regions or event the difference between the same coffee from year to year. Coffee is a crop after all so even the same farm may produce slightly different results year over year.

Choosing Between Single-Origin and Blends: What’s Right for You?
Here’s the fun part—there’s no wrong answer. It all depends on your mood, preferences, and coffee-drinking habits.

Looking for an adventure? Try a single-origin coffee to explore distinct flavors.
Craving something comforting and familiar? A blend might be your go-to choice.
At Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters, we offer a variety of both single-origin coffees and expertly crafted blends, ensuring you always have something exciting to brew.

Experiment and Enjoy
Whether you’re a single-origin enthusiast or a blend devotee, the joy of coffee is in the exploration. Try them all, compare their profiles, and discover what makes your taste buds sing. And if you're not sure where to start, we’re here to help guide you on your coffee journey.

Ready to Explore?
Browse our collection of single-origin coffees and blends right now! We've got them all on our Whole Bean Coffee collection. Or, if you plan to come visit our cafe in Chilliwack, as one of our team members to help you choose your next bean. We LOVE chatting about coffee. 

At the end of the day, all that matters is that you Enjoy Every Sip!