Which Specialty Coffee should I start with?

Okay, you want to try specialty coffee? Good choice!

But where do you start?

With so many options, choosing your first bag of beans can feel like picking a Netflix series; overwhelming and before you know it, you’ll spend more time hesitating than enjoying.

The idea here is simple: I help you choose a specialty coffee that won't scare you off with extreme flavors, but will still make you understand why coffee lovers can't stop talking about their beans.

Let's keep it simple, no difficult words, no complications, just good coffee!

Start with the Basics: What is Specialty Coffee?

Before you choose your first bag of coffee, let's make one thing clear.

Specialty coffee is not just “better coffee”. It is coffee that scores 80+ on the quality scale, grown under the right conditions, carefully processed and roasted with craftsmanship.

Why is this important?

• Better taste – You taste real flavors, not just burnt beans.

• Supports fair agriculture – Specialty coffee means better wages and sustainable growing methods.

• More control over your cup of coffee – You can adjust your brewing method for the perfect result.

The Best Specialty Coffee to Start With

Not all specialty coffees are ideal for beginners. Some are too funky, too sour, or simply too different from what you’re used to. Here are a few guidelines to help you make the right choice:

1. Choose a Medium Roast

Dark roasts destroy the unique flavors, while light roasts are often too bright and acidic for newcomers. A medium roast offers a balanced flavor; sweetness, body, and just the right amount of complexity.

✅ Good choices:

• Colombian Coffee – Balanced, chocolatey, with a hint of fruit.

• Brazilian Coffee – Nutty, smooth, with low acidity.

• Guatemalan Coffee – Sweet, full-flavored, with hints of cocoa.

2. Go for washed or naturally processed beans

The processing method affects the taste of the coffee. Washed coffee is clean and bright in taste. Naturally (dry) processed coffee is fruitier and slightly sweet. Both are suitable for beginners.

Avoid “experimental” methods like anaerobic or honey processing, they are great but better left for later.

3. Start with Single Origin, not a blend

A single origin coffee gives you a clear picture of what a particular region has to offer. If you like it, you'll know exactly what to look for next time!

Single-origin coffee comes from one farm or region, meaning you get a distinct flavor profile.

Unlike blends, which mix beans from different regions for a balanced but less unique flavor, single-origin coffee really lets the characteristics of a specific place shine through.

This is great for beginners as it helps you get to know different coffee regions and discover what you like.

For example, if you start with a Brazilian single origin , you will taste nutty and chocolatey notes. If you try an Ethiopian coffee , you will get floral and fruity flavors.

Each origin has something unique to offer, making experimenting both fun and educational.

Once you know which flavors appeal to you, you can confidently discover similar or contrasting origins.

An added benefit of single-origin coffee is quality control.

Specialty coffee roasters often source their single-origin beans directly from specific farms with high quality standards.

This ensures consistency and transparency, you know exactly where your coffee comes from and how it was grown.

If you're making coffee at home, single-origin beans also make it easier to fine-tune your brewing process.

Because there is no mix of beans with different roast levels, you can adjust the grind size, brew time and temperature more precisely for the best results.

4. Pay attention to the acidity

Acidity in coffee adds freshness and liveliness. Some coffees have a citrusy, spicy kick, while others have a soft, chocolatey finish. The right amount of acidity depends on your personal taste.

If you are used to supermarket coffee (often dark roasted and with little acidity), a highly acidic specialty coffee can be a shock…

Some people like the fresh, winey notes of Ethiopian or Kenyan beans, while others prefer the mild, nutty softness of Brazilian or Sumatran coffee.

How to choose coffee based on acidity?

☕ Do you like bright, fruity coffee?
→ Choose an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or a high-altitude Colombian coffee.

☕ Do you want a balanced acidity?
→ Go for Guatemalan or washed Costa Rican coffee.

☕ Prefer a coffee with low acidity?
→ Try Brazilian, Sumatra or naturally processed coffees.

How do you reduce acidity when brewing?

✔ Use a coarser grind – A fine grind can enhance the acidity.
✔ Brew with cooler water – Water around 90°C (instead of 96°C) reduces acidity.
✔ Choose immersion brewing methods – French press or AeroPress dampen acidity better than pour-over methods.

It’s not about avoiding acidity completely, but finding the right balance for your taste. Not sure what you like? Start with a medium acidity coffee and gradually adjust your choice.

Brewing Your First Specialty Coffee

You don’t need a lab. A simple French press, AeroPress or pour-over will do. Just use fresh beans, grind them just before brewing and water well.

Basic Setting Tips:

✅ Use filtered water – Tap water can ruin a great coffee.
✅ Grind fresh – A burr grinder is your best friend.
✅ Follow a basic recipe – A 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio gives a balanced cup.
✅ Don’t burn your coffee – For most methods, water between 90-96°C works best.

Frequently Asked Questions

I only drink espresso. Where do I start?

Start with a Brazilian or Colombian medium roast . These work well under pressure (literally) and give a smooth, chocolatey flavor.

What if I like sweet coffee?

Go for a naturally processed Ethiopian coffee or a honey-processed Costa Rican coffee. These have a fruity, caramelly sweetness.

I don't like sour coffee. What should I avoid?

Avoid very light roasts and high altitude African coffees such as Kenyan. Instead, try a coffee from Brazil or Sumatra.

What grind size should I use?

It depends on your brewing method:

• French press → Coarse

• Pour-over → Medium

• Espresso → Fine

Does specialty coffee have more caffeine?

Not necessarily. The amount of caffeine depends more on the type of coffee and brewing method than on whether it is specialty coffee or not.

Conclusion

Entering the world of specialty coffee is an exciting adventure and a good start makes all the difference. By choosing a medium roast, a single-origin coffee and a washed or natural processing, you give yourself the best chance to truly appreciate the unique flavors of specialty coffee.

As you explore, pay attention to the roast, origin, and acidity of different coffees. Some will surprise you, others may not be to your taste, but each cup helps you discover what you like.

Be open to new experiences and experiment with different brewing methods to get the most out of your beans.

The most important thing? Enjoy the process!

Specialty coffee is not just about drinking coffee, it is about the whole experience. The more you learn, the better your coffee becomes and before you know it you will have your own favorites.

So grab a bag of beans, start brewing and discover what makes specialty coffee so special!☕