Introduction:
First time entering the world of specialty coffee? Congratulations! 😎
But we always face a problem:
What should I ask for? What suits me? Where should I start?
The list is long: countries, strains, processors, roasting degrees...
But don't worry. This guide will help you choose your first bag of coffee and get you off to a good start.
1. Determine your taste first:
Ask yourself:
- Do you like light and refreshing flavors? 👉 Try fruity crops (like Ethiopia or Geisha)
- Do you like heavy, chocolatey flavors? 👉 Try Colombia or Brazil.
- Do you like something balanced and easy to drink ? 👉 Stick with medium roasts.
🎯 It doesn't need to be complicated... Choose according to your taste today, and the rest will come with experience.
2. Choose a treatment method that suits you:
- Washed: Clean flavors, high acidity, ideal for black coffee.
- Dried: pronounced sweetness, intense fruity flavors
- Lactic/Anaerobic: Exotic, bold, and complex flavors (suitable for the adventurous)
3. Don't buy the "most expensive thing" the first time.
The qisha is excellent, but you don't have to try it from the first bag.
Start with something medium-priced, freshly roasted, and experiment with different methods (V60, Clever...)
4. Beginner-Friendly Recommendations (from INGO Store):
🌱 Ethiopia Guji - W Roastery
- Flavors: Peach, Rose, Black Tea
- Very suitable for distillation, light and balanced acidity
- 👉 Watch it here
🍫 Colombia El Paraiso - Shuffle Roastery
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel
- Medium roast, good for black coffee or with milk
- 👉 Watch it here
☕ Brazil Cerrado - Volume Roastery
- Flavors: Hazelnut, Dark Chocolate
- Easy, everyday cup, low acid
- 👉 Watch it here
✅ Final tips for beginners:
- Don't grind the whole coffee... grind according to your cup
- Use a simple scale.
- Try the same coffee with more than one tool.
- Write down the flavors you like and dislike.
✅ Conclusion:
Choosing your first specialty coffee bag is just the beginning.
You don't need to be an expert, you need fresh coffee, a mood, and a willingness to experiment.
Over time, your taste develops, and you develop a special language with each cup.