The Buzz on Blends, Single-Origin and Estate Coffee

Traditionally, Italian espresso has been created from blends—be it a simple Arabica-Robusta mix or a complex fusion of geographically diverse beans. Some blends are created to maximize crema; while others have been fashioned to deliver specific flavor and aroma profiles.

The practice of blending coffee is akin to the art of making wine; as a Bordeaux may contain a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, a fine espresso blend could include Hawaiian, Asian, South American or African beans. Premium coffee roasters, like Filicori Zecchini, take meticulous care of their espresso, roasting each origin separately to preserve the integrity of the beans. While the practice of blending espresso makes for rich, complex flavor bouquets, if you want to experience the specific tastes of a particular region, you may wish to explore single-origin and estate coffees.

Single Origin
Single-origin coffee refers to beans that have been grown and harvested in one area, which could comprise of a specific region or country. Since coffee has a unique taste that is acquired from the climate and terrain in which it is grown, knowing the origin of your coffee will allow you to better predict its flavor profile. We offer several single-origin coffees from Aloha Island including: Diamond, Gold Espresso and Gold. Any one of these single-origin coffees will give you the definitive taste of premium Hawaiian Kona.

Estate Coffee
A more precise breakdown of the single-origin category, estate coffee is grown and harvested from one farm. Premium estates have gone through great lengths to ensure the quality of their products, so branding a coffee with the estate name gives espresso connoisseurs an indication of the taste and quality of the coffee. Our most well-known estate coffees come from J. Martinez & Company. In fact, it was the company's founder, John A. Martinez, who introduced the concept of single-estate coffees in 1988. If you're looking for a fine single-estate coffee, check out the J.Martinez coffee collection, which includes exotic origins such as India, Jamaica, Tanzania, Kenya and more.

Regardless of whether you prefer a fine blend, single-origin or estate coffee, we've got something for everyone. If you usually brew with a premium blend, try a single origin or estate coffee and discover the pure flavors that make up your favorite espresso. On the other hand, if you've been drinking estate and single-origin coffees, go for a blend and experience a complex, multi-dimensional taste profile. Have fun with your espresso.