Single-Origin vs. Blends: What’s Brewing in Your Cup?

Single-Origin vs. Blends: What’s Brewing in Your Cup?

Coffee lovers often debate whether single-origin beans or blends make the better brew. Both have rich histories, unique flavor profiles, and devoted fans—but which one deserves a spot in your mug? Let’s dig into the differences and uncover some stats most people don’t know.

What Is Single-Origin Coffee?

Single-origin coffee means the beans come from a single country, one farm, or sometimes even a specific lot within that farm. Think of it as the farm-to-cup experience of coffee — pure, traceable, and a direct reflection of where it’s grown.

 

 

 

Flavor Profile of Single-Origin Coffee

 

• Bright, distinctive flavors unique to one location
• Notes shaped by terroir — the soil, altitude, and climate of the region
• Seasonal availability, since crops vary by harvest

This makes single-origin coffee perfect for those who love exploring how geography shapes taste.

Did You Know?

 

 

 

 

Only 7–10% of coffee sold worldwide is true single-origin. The rest is typically blended for consistency. That means when you drink single-origin, you’re experiencing something rare and authentic — the purest form of coffee storytelling.

 

 

Our Top Pick: Andes Peak Reserve

At Bearded Mountain Coffee Company, our Andes Peak Reserve is one of our most celebrated single-origin offerings.

• Grown high in the Andes Mountains
• Naturally bold yet smooth, with complex notes that reflect the pristine mountain environment
• Crafted for coffee drinkers who want something special in their cup

If you’re looking for the ultimate single-origin adventure, Andes Peak is our top recommendation.

What Is a Coffee Blend?

A blend combines beans from two or more regions. Roasters build blends to create balance—chocolatey base notes from Brazil, a citrus kick from Ethiopia, a creamy finish from Colombia.

Flavor profile:

• Balanced, smoother taste
• Reliable from cup to cup
• Built for crowd-pleasing and versatility (espresso, drip, cold brew)

Unknown stat: Over 80% of café espresso shots are brewed with blends, not single-origin, because consistency keeps customers coming back.

Our Top Pick: Golden Horizon 

While single-origin coffees like Andes Peak Reserve deliver rare, pure flavors, sometimes you want a blend that’s crafted to hit the perfect balance every single morning. That’s where Golden Horizon shines.

This blend was built to capture the feeling of sunrise over the mountains — smooth, bold, and steady. It’s versatile enough for any brew method and reliable enough to become your everyday ritual.

• Balanced Flavor: A rich body layered with gentle brightness
• Consistent & Reliable: Unlike single-origin (which is seasonal), blends deliver a dependable flavor profile year-round
• Morning Favorite: A go-to option when you need strength, smoothness, and comfort all in one cup

Roast Levels: How They Differ Between the Two

• Single-Origin: Often roasted lighter or medium to preserve delicate regional flavors.
• Blends: Frequently roasted medium-dark to unify multiple bean characteristics and deliver a fuller body.

Unknown stat: Specialty roasters report that lighter-roasted single origins have grown nearly 15% in popularity over the past decade, especially among younger coffee drinkers.

Which One Costs More?

Single-origin usually commands a higher price. Limited supply, careful sourcing, and seasonal availability make it premium. Blends, on the other hand, use a mix of beans that allow roasters to control cost while still offering quality.

Chart: Average Retail Price per 12oz Bag (

U.S., 2024)

Type	Avg. Price	% Above Commodity Coffee
Commodity Coffee	$8.99
Blend	$15.99	+78%
Single-Origin	$20.95	+133%

Consumer Preferences: The Numbers

• 52% of coffee enthusiasts say they prefer blends for everyday drinking.
• 36% prefer single-origin for special occasions or when they want to “taste the terroir.”
• The rest switch depending on mood or brew method.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Go Single-Origin if you love exploring flavor adventures, like wine tastings. Each cup tells a story of its region.
• Go Blend if you want a reliable, smooth, everyday brew that tastes the same every morning.

At Bearded Mountain Coffee, we offer both—because strong coffee should fit your lifestyle, whether you’re brewing for adventure or consistency.

Final Sip

Single-origin coffee is all about uniqueness — it highlights the distinct flavors of a specific farm, region, or country. Blends, on the other hand, are about balance — carefully crafted to deliver consistency and harmony in every cup.

Neither is better. They just serve different moments. The best choice? Keep both on your shelf, and let your taste buds decide.

👉 Explore both sides of the coffee spectrum at Bearded Mountain Coffee Company and find your perfect brew.