How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans for You

Walk into any coffee shop or browse an online store and you’ll find a dizzying variety of coffee beans — blends, single origins, light roasts, dark roasts, natural process, washed process, anaerobic, co-ferment. Where do you even start?

At Bellwood Coffee, we think choosing coffee should be fun, not overwhelming. Here’s your friendly guide to figuring out which coffee beans will make your mornings better.

Step 1: Decide on Your Flavor Adventure

Coffee isn’t one‑note — it can taste like chocolate, caramel, berries, flowers, citrus, or even red wine. Knowing the general flavor profile you like will help you choose beans you’ll actually enjoy.

• Chocolatey & nutty: Think cozy, smooth, crowd‑pleasing cups. Look for washed blends or coffees from Latin America.

• Fruity & vibrant: Bright, juicy flavors — often from natural‑processed African coffees like Ethiopia or Rwanda.

• Floral & tea‑like: Delicate, complex cups — common in washed African coffees or high‑altitude Central American coffees.

Step 2: Pick Between Single Origin or Blend

Single origin coffee comes from one farm, region, or country. It’s all about showcasing the unique flavors of that place. Perfect for adventurous drinkers who want to taste the coffee’s origin story.

Blends mix coffees from different places to create a balanced, consistent flavor profile. Great for everyday drinkers who want reliability and a smooth, easy cup.

Step 3: Choose Your Roast Level

Roast level affects flavor as much as origin does.

• Light roast: Brighter, more acidic, preserves origin flavors. Great for pour‑over or drip.

• Medium roast: Balanced, with both sweetness and brightness. Works for most brew methods.

• Dark roast: Bold, rich, low acidity. Popular for espresso and people who like strong coffee flavor.

Step 4: Think About Brew Method

The way you brew coffee matters when picking beans.

• Pour‑over / drip: Works best with light to medium roasts, often single origins.

• French press / immersion: Medium roasts give a rich, balanced cup.

• Espresso: Medium‑dark roasts or blends are more forgiving and full‑bodied.

Step 5: Always Choose Freshly Roasted Coffee

No matter what style you choose, freshness matters. Freshly roasted coffee has more aroma, flavor, and complexity. Read our blog post on freshness, so you know where that sweet spot is.  We roast small batches every week at Bellwood — so you get coffee at its peak flavor.

Bellwood’s Tip

If you’re not sure where to start, try a subscription like our Wild Card, which rotates through different origins, processes, and flavor profiles. It’s the easiest way to explore and figure out your favorites.