12 Regional Coffees Every Caffeine Lover Should Taste Once

Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Around the world, each region offers its own unique take on the brew, shaped by local traditions and climates. Whether you enjoy a strong espresso or a smooth cold brew, there is a coffee style to satisfy every taste. The best way to truly appreciate coffee is to experience it from different parts of the globe. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Colombian Coffee

Colombian coffee is known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor. The country’s high altitudes and rich soil provide ideal growing conditions, which result in beans with a medium body and bright acidity. Colombian coffee is often considered one of the best in the world, with a distinct, slightly sweet taste. It is perfect for those who prefer a balanced cup without being too strong or too mild.

The country is home to several growing regions, each contributing its own unique flavor profile. Coffee from regions like Antioquia and Huila can have fruity, citrusy notes, while coffees from Nariño are known for their floral qualities. Colombian coffee has been a staple in the global market for years and remains a favorite for many coffee lovers. This coffee is also perfect for brewing a classic cup or enjoying in various specialty drinks.

Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, and its beans are cherished for their complexity and unique flavors. Ethiopian coffee often features floral and fruity notes, with a distinctive brightness that makes it stand out. Coffees from the Sidamo and Yirgacheffe regions are particularly well-known for their clean, lively tastes. It is a great choice for those who love a cup with depth and variety.

Many Ethiopians still use traditional methods to prepare their coffee, which adds to the authenticity of each cup. The beans are often sun-dried and processed in the natural way, which intensifies their flavor. Ethiopian coffee is perfect for drip brewing, French press, or cold brew. Its diverse range of flavors makes it a must-try for anyone seeking an adventurous coffee experience.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is often considered one of the most expensive and highly prized coffees worldwide. Grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this coffee is known for its mild flavor and smooth texture. It has a subtle sweetness with low acidity, making it a favorite for those who prefer a gentler coffee. The beans are hand-picked, ensuring a high-quality product that meets strict standards.

The unique climate and altitude of the Blue Mountains contribute to the coffee’s signature taste. Due to its rarity and meticulous growing process, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is often reserved for specialty shops and fine dining establishments. Its smooth, rich flavor is perfect for those who enjoy a luxurious coffee experience. A cup of this coffee can transport you to the tropical beauty of Jamaica with each sip.

Hawaiian Kona Coffee

Kona coffee is a special variety grown on the slopes of the Kona volcano in Hawaii. The volcanic soil combined with the island’s perfect growing conditions creates a rich, full-bodied coffee with a smooth finish. Kona coffee is typically lower in acidity and offers nutty, chocolatey undertones that are perfect for sipping throughout the day. It is considered a premium coffee due to its distinctive taste and limited growing area.

Kona coffee is grown on small family farms that have been cultivating coffee for generations. The beans are hand-picked and carefully processed, which ensures a high-quality cup every time. Many Kona coffee producers use organic farming practices, which makes it even more desirable for those who prefer sustainable options. This coffee is often enjoyed by those who appreciate a smooth yet flavorful brew.

Sumatra Mandheling Coffee

Sumatra Mandheling coffee hails from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, known for its earthy and bold flavors. This coffee is often full-bodied and has low acidity, making it a favorite for people who enjoy a stronger brew. It is typically grown in the highlands of the island, where the rich soil and climate contribute to its unique flavor profile. Sumatra coffee is also known for its smoothness and lack of bitterness, even in dark roasts.

The beans are often processed using the wet-hulling method, which adds to the coffee’s earthy, rustic taste. Sumatra Mandheling coffee can also have notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and spice, making it perfect for those who enjoy complex flavors. It is great for brewing with a French press or pour-over method, allowing its full character to shine. If you like bold, robust coffees, this one is definitely worth trying.

Costa Rican Coffee

Costa Rican coffee is known for its bright acidity and full-bodied richness. Grown in the highlands of the country, Costa Rican coffee often features fruity and floral notes, with a smooth finish. The beans are carefully harvested and processed, ensuring a clean and flavorful cup. This coffee is typically medium-bodied and is enjoyed by people who appreciate a well-rounded brew.

Costa Rica has a long history of coffee production, and its farmers take great pride in the quality of their beans. The country’s diverse growing regions, such as Tarrazú and Heredia, offer a range of flavors, from bright and tangy to smooth and chocolatey. Costa Rican coffee is perfect for espresso drinks or for a simple, classic cup. Its clean, crisp taste makes it a favorite among coffee lovers.

Mexican Coffee

Mexican coffee is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked in the world of specialty coffees. Grown in the southern regions of the country, such as Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexican coffee is known for its mild flavor and pleasant acidity. The beans are often roasted to a medium level, which brings out their natural sweetness and nutty characteristics. Mexican coffee is great for those who prefer a smooth, easy-drinking cup.

Many of the farms in Mexico practice organic and sustainable farming, which adds to the appeal of this coffee for eco-conscious consumers. Mexican coffee is also often used in popular blends, providing balance and depth to the overall flavor. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for everyday coffee drinkers. A cup of Mexican coffee can be a comforting way to start the day or wind down in the evening.

Guatemalan Coffee

Guatemalan coffee is known for its bold, full-bodied flavor with a touch of sweetness and bright acidity. Grown in the volcanic regions of the country, such as Antigua and Huehuetenango, Guatemalan coffee often features notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. The beans are hand-picked and sun-dried, which ensures a high-quality brew. Guatemalan coffee is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a rich, flavorful cup.

The country’s diverse growing regions contribute to the wide range of flavors found in its coffee. The beans from Antigua are known for their rich, full flavor, while coffee from Huehuetenango is lighter with a brighter, more citrusy note. Guatemalan coffee is often enjoyed as a medium roast, which highlights its natural flavors. It is perfect for brewing in a drip coffee maker or French press.

Kenyan Coffee

Kenyan coffee is renowned for its bold, vibrant flavor and intense acidity. Grown at high altitudes on the slopes of Mount Kenya, the beans are known for their rich, fruity flavors, often with hints of berry, wine, and citrus. Kenyan coffee is usually processed using the wet method, which enhances its clarity and complexity. This coffee is ideal for those who enjoy a cup that is both bold and bright.

The high-altitude climate and rich soil contribute to the coffee’s distinctive flavor profile. Kenyan coffee is typically roasted to a medium or dark roast, which allows its natural acidity and fruity notes to shine through. It is best brewed using methods like pour-over or drip brewing, which highlight its bright, clean taste. If you enjoy coffee with a strong, fruity kick, Kenyan coffee will not disappoint.

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is unique for its preparation and the use of strong, dark beans. The country is known for its robust coffee, which is often brewed using a traditional drip filter called a “phin.” The coffee is served with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, creamy drink that is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Vietnamese coffee is perfect for those who like a strong, sweet coffee experience.

The beans used for Vietnamese coffee are typically robusta, which gives the coffee a bolder, more intense flavor compared to arabica beans. This coffee is typically served iced, especially in the hot, humid climate of Vietnam. It has a thicker texture than many other coffees, which adds to its indulgent appeal. For a true taste of Vietnam, a glass of iced coffee with condensed milk is a must-try.

Indian Coffee

Indian coffee is known for its smooth, mild flavor with a touch of spice. The country’s coffee-growing regions, such as Coorg and Chikmagalur, offer a range of flavors, from earthy to sweet. Indian coffee is often grown under the shade of tall trees, which gives it a unique, mellow taste. It is perfect for those who enjoy a gentle, aromatic cup without too much bitterness.

The coffee beans from India are typically medium-roasted, which allows their smooth flavors to shine through. Many Indian coffees are processed using the wet method, which helps maintain their clean and crisp taste. Indian coffee is often enjoyed as a filter coffee, served with milk and sugar, for a rich, comforting drink. It is a popular choice for coffee lovers who prefer a more balanced brew.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a traditional method of brewing that creates a strong, rich cup with a thick, velvety texture. The coffee is finely ground and boiled with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. It is then served in small cups, where the grounds are allowed to settle at the bottom. Turkish coffee is known for its strong flavor and is often accompanied by a glass of water and sometimes a sweet treat.

The preparation of Turkish coffee is as much about the ritual as it is about the flavor. The coffee is often brewed in copper pots over an open flame, which adds to its authentic taste. Turkish coffee is a favorite in many Middle Eastern countries and has a long history of being enjoyed in social settings. It is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful brew that requires a bit more effort to prepare.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.