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The best coffee beans in the world can easily be subjective.
But after 14+ years in the coffee industry, not a month goes by without someone asking me: "Hey James, what is the best coffee in the world?"
And lucky for you, this is one of my favourite coffee questions ever.
I always say no one should have to suffer through bad coffee, especially first thing in the morning.
Once you get the taste of truly good coffee beans, you can never go back to the mediocre ones.
And honestly, finding the perfect coffee beans has become quite hard these days, too.
There are hundreds of brands around, all claiming to have the best coffee beans in the world. But you and I both know that's just marketing to lure you in.
I decided to sit down and put this guide together for you. So whenever this question pops into your mind again, you have a real place to go.
You know good coffee is not just about a fancy golden label or even strength. Great coffee is about a perfect balance. It should be fresh, properly roasted and have a clean flavour. And most importantly, how it makes you feel on your first sip every morning.
I'm James Bellis, founder and coffee trainer. For over 14 years, I've worked with more than 100 roasters across the UK, brewing coffee for over 199,000 people. I have a SCA Coffee Skills Diploma, which shows my passion for good, healthy coffee.
With the help of my team, I started testing the best coffee beans in the world UK for this guide.
You must know I don't take these tests lightly. I never test just one cup and score it randomly. I use a proper, structured scoring system to rank every label.
Every coffee, whether it's from an old, well-known brand or a new roaster, goes through the same scoring process.
I compiled a tried-and-tested list of the best coffees in the world for you. So you'd never be confused about what good coffee is.
How These Coffees Were Tested
Every coffee was brewed on a Sage Barista Pro (18g in, 36g out, 93°C) and a Hario V60 (15g, 250ml, 92°C, 30-second bloom). Each brand went through six sessions over ten days. Same process, every time, no exceptions.
Here is the Balance Coffee testing framework in numbers.
Now, of the 12 brands tested, these three are my favourites because I have drunk them for years.
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
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San Fermin |
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Yirgacheffe Organic |
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Jump to a Brand
- Balance Coffee - Stability Blend (Editor's Pick)
- Coffee Bros Signature Espresso Blend
- Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather
- Tim Wendelboe Espresso Blend
- Atlas Coffee Club Yirgacheffe
- Proud Mary Ghost Rider Blend
- Kaffebox Scandinavian Coffee
- The Barn Espresso Blend
- Five Elephant Colombian La Mina
- Nomad Atlas Espresso Blend
- Detour Coffee Punch Buggy Blend
- Stumptown Hair Bend
What Are the Best Coffee Beans In The World? (Quick Takeaway)
The best coffee beans in the world depend on your taste and brewing style. Still, top choices include Balance Coffee's Stability Blend (the best overall pick), Onyx Coffee Lab's Southern Weather, and Tim Wendelboe's Espresso Blend. Other strong options include Coffee Bros and The Barn.
Here is a more detailed breakdown for you:
Top-Rated Brands and Blends
- Balance Coffee Stability Blend: This blend scores 97 out of 100 in our test. It is 100% Arabica and free from mould, mycotoxins, and pesticides. It has a rich chocolate flavour with soft hazelnut sweetness. It is the best overall coffee bean in the world for taste and health together.
- Coffee Bros Signature Espresso Blend: This blend scores 90 out of 100. It has vanilla, sugar cane, and strawberry tasting notes. It is roasted fresh in small batches with strong sourcing transparency.
- Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather: This blend scores 93 out of 100. It has notes of milk chocolate, plum, citrus, and candied walnut. It earns full marks for freshness, traceability, and brand trust.
- Tim Wendelboe Espresso Blend: This blend scores 93 out of 100. It has citrus, floral honey, and red berry notes. It suits drinkers who want a lighter, cleaner espresso experience.
- The Barn Espresso Blend: 93 out of 100. It has caramel, stone fruit, and cocoa notes. It performs well in both espresso and pour-over brewing.
11 Best Coffee Beans In The World 2026
Balance Coffee - Stability Blend
97 / 100How I Tested the Stability Blend
I'm sure you know that Balance Coffee is not your typical everyday supermarket coffee. And if you have looked for the best coffee beans in the world UK, Balance Coffee will show up in your search.
It is a health-oriented speciality coffee brand focused on both taste and health. Just to be clear, I'm the proud owner of Balance Coffee.
But I have tested a lot of clean speciality coffee over the years (if you're interested, you can find some of the best clean coffee beans here.)
Some tasted great, but I was always concerned about transparency regarding how 'clean' the coffee was. And some brands were transparent, but honestly did not taste that good.
But to be transparent for this guide, I tested Stability Blend again to confirm that it tastes as good as it is healthy.
I made sure it goes through the same testing framework I used for every coffee.
I used Sage Barista Pro for espresso using 18g in, 36g out, 93°C water. Then V60 with 15g coffee and 250ml water at 92°C for pour-over method.
In my experience, most healthy coffee brands taste healthy, but in a sad way. They are flat, thin and weirdly bland. But trust me, this blend felt rich and flavourful.
What I Like
- Accessible mould and pesticide reports.
- Rich chocolatey flavour.
- No bitterness.
- Fresh roasted beans.
What I Don't Like
- A bit more expensive than supermarket coffee.
- It may feel a bit rich for light-roast drinkers.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
The first thing I noticed was the beautiful chocolatey aroma.
I immediately realised that it was rich dark chocolate , not bitter like most dark chocolates, but more like soft, melted chocolate with a little sweetness.
That hazelnut sweetness came out more with a few more sips.
The espresso was very smooth overall, with no weird aftertaste. It feels quite balanced, too. With milk, it gets creamier and slightly sweeter.
Through V60, the flavours separate a little more, and the hazelnut becomes easier to notice.
Brew Versatility
I found it to be one of the easiest coffees in this whole guide to brew. Especially since it worked really well with both methods. You know, flat whites aren't exactly my go-to drink, but this blend felt great in that, too.
In my experience, when a coffee is this versatile, you can easily call it one of the best coffee beans in the world.
Customer Feedback
Probably the smoothest espresso I've made at home.
Daniel P.Excellent products and great customer service! Very responsive and gets back to you quickly.
Sarah T.Price
It costs around £14.99 for a 250g bag. You know how caffeine can cause a small rise in blood pressure in some people. But clean, organic coffee beans like this one can be quite safe for all of you.
Verdict
Stability Blend is something that coffee enthusiasts and health-focused people can enjoy without compromising on anything.
Coffee Bros - Signature Espresso Blend
90 / 100How I Tested Coffee Bros Signature Espresso Blend
If you've ever searched for the top 5 best coffee in the world, you must have heard of this blend. Coffee Bros is one of those brands that genuinely cares about freshness and quality.
Some blends instantly feel like they belong among the Best Coffee Beans in the World the second you brew them.
A lot of blends taste super dark and bitter, or sometimes so fruity they don't even taste like espresso. But this one is very balanced.
You still get sweetness and body with just enough fruitiness to stop feeling flat.
During testing, this blend kept getting better the more I dialled it in. And not going to lie, that surprised me a bit.
What I Like
- Roasted fresh in small batches.
- Bright but still balanced espresso.
- Properly packaged fresh beans.
- Strong sourcing transparency.
What I Don't Like
- Might be a bit too bright for some people.
- Slightly light for very dark roast fans.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
Tasting notes: Vanilla, Sugar Cane, Strawberry. In the first sip, the vanilla sweetness showed up immediately. Then there was the sweetness of sugarcane, making the espresso feel very smooth.
Right near the finish, I started noticing the strawberry hints. It wasn't sour or sharp.
Just properly balanced. It had enough fruitiness to keep the shot lively. Which, honestly, is quite tricky, because fruity espresso can go very wrong very quickly.
Brew Versatility
I mainly tested this through espresso, but it honestly worked surprisingly well across different brew methods too.
As a flat white, the sweetness becomes lighter and more comforting. In pour-over, the fruit notes become much cleaner and easier to notice.
But the black espresso still had enough body to feel satisfying.
Customer Feedback
I literally can't get enough of this coffee.
Zeyna R.Actually tastes fresh unlike loads of supermarket espresso.
Eliza T.Price
Usually around $19.99 for a 12oz bag.
Verdict
If you want the best coffee bean in the world for espresso, this one is worth a shot. It feels modern, fresh, and slightly fruity without losing that espresso taste.
Onyx Coffee Lab - Southern Weather
93 / 100How I Tested Southern Weather
Just like its name and website, Onyx gives you that mysterious dark feeling. It has to be one of the best coffee beans in the world that most coffee nerds would agree with.
And I think their hype does actually make sense. What stood out immediately during testing was how transparent everything felt.
These Arkansas-based roasters are very transparent about sourcing details and coffee scores. This level of openness is something I really appreciate.
I put this through the same testing setup I used for all the brands. Espresso was brewed on the Sage Barista Pro using an 18g dose, 36g yield, and 93°C water.
For V60, I used 15g of coffee with 250ml of water at 92°C and a 35-second bloom.
Testing occurred in six sessions across ten days. I really liked how complex yet approachable this blend felt.
What I Like
- Transparent sourcing.
- Lively flavour profile.
- Strong roast consistency.
What I Don't Like
- Premium pricing.
- Too fruity for traditional espresso drinkers.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
The tasting notes are milk chocolate, plum, candied walnuts and citrus. This coffee definitely had a very modern feel during testing. It leans brighter while still staying soft.
The plum sweetness comes through right in the first sip. Then, slowly, the milky, chocolatey flavour with citrusy notes started opening up more. The sweetness of candied walnuts really made it feel grounded and softer.
By the way, you can explore more modern, mould and mycotoxin free speciality coffees on the Balance Coffee website too.
Brew Versatility
This worked quite well across both espresso and V60 testing. As espresso, the coffee was quite bright, slightly fruity, but very layered.
Through V60, the sweetness and citrus became a lot clearer. I really liked how different parts of the flavour came out with different brew methods.
Customer Feedback
Very pleased yummy.
Annie F.Probably the cleanest light roast espresso I've had.
Jess T.Price
It is around $20.43 for a 10oz bag.
Verdict
Southern Weather is one of the strongest examples of good light roast coffees.
Tim Wendelboe - Espresso Blend
93 / 100How I Tested Tim Wendelboe Espresso Blend
This blend is the exact opposite of your typical old-school espresso. It's not too bitter or too heavily smoky. Instead, everything feels very clean and precise.
And honestly, the first time I tested it, it kind of made me realise that espresso could taste like this too.
It has a lighter roast profile, good clarity and a very flavour-forward approach.
Espresso through the Sage Barista Pro with an 18g dose, 36g yield, and 93°C water.
Then pour over with a V60 using 15g of coffee and 250ml of water at 92°C.
What I Like
- High flavour clarity.
- Good sourcing transparency.
- Light roast.
What I Don't Like
- Too light for traditional espresso drinkers.
- Needs more careful dial-in than darker blends.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
The tasting notes are citrus, floral honey and red berries. The first sip showed me why these beans are considered top 10 best coffee beans in the world.
The first thing I noticed was how clean everything tasted. Just soft and balanced.
The citrus brightness felt right at the front of the espresso, followed by this subtle honey sweetness.
Then slowly the berry notes started to appear more towards the end.
Even though it was lightly roasted, the coffee remained smooth rather than becoming acidic.
Trust me when I tell you, this kind of balance is pretty hard to pull off.
Brew Versatility
Honestly, these light-roast beans fully opened with the pour-over method. The sweetness became clearer, and the floral notes became prominent.
Espresso still tasted fine too, but it is definitely more of a modern and fruit-forward brew than traditional Italian espresso.
Milk drinks worked okay, though lighter roasts like this do lose some clarity once milk enters the picture.
Customer Feedback
Absolutely delicious coffee…! Highly recommend.
Oliver K.This coffee ticks all my boxes. Over and above all others. Wonderful and highly recommended.
Shadab F.Price
Usually around €16–€22, depending on origin and bag size.
Verdict
This one is for you who want to experience a brew quite different from traditional classic espresso.
Atlas Coffee Club - Yirgacheffe Blend
88 / 100How I Tested Atlas Coffee Club Yirgacheffe
If you ask me, Atlas feels like travelling through different regions and tasting coffee one bag at a time. Sounds very cool, right?
At Atlas Coffee Club, one month you are drinking something chocolatey and smooth from Colombia. And next month, you get an Ethiopian coffee that tastes like blueberries.
So, I started with testing their most famous Yirgacheffe blend. This Ethiopia Yirgacheffe felt like it should be in the top 10 best coffee in the world.
Not because it was loud but because it tasted alive. Testing was carried out over six sessions across ten days total.
I really like how this blend is single-origin, with beautifully balanced flavours.
What I Like
- Different blends every month.
- Freshly roasted and shipped quickly.
- Ethiopian coffee tasted incredibly vibrant.
What I Don't Like
- Some blends feel stronger than others depending on the month.
- Not for people who like consistent flavour.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
These coffee beans are sourced from farms in Ethiopia. The tasting notes are raspberry, blueberry and sweet chocolate.
On the first sip, I noticed the blueberry sweetness. It basically felt like fresh berries underneath the espresso.
Then there was a slight raspberry brightness which lifted everything.
And right towards the end, there was this soft chocolate sweetness that held the cup together.
Honestly, it tasted way smoother than I expected for a fruity Ethiopian coffee. In espresso, all the flavours felt rich and concentrated.
Through pour-over, the coffee fully opened up and gave more clarity to fruitiness and sweetness.
Brew Versatility
This was one of the most versatile coffees I tested. Espresso worked quite well once dialled in. Pour-over brings out cleaner fruit and chocolate notes.
In milk drinks, acidity softened nicely without completely hiding the coffee itself. But this one kept its personality intact.
Customer Feedback
Probably the most interesting coffee subscription I've tried.
Alyssa P.On my second order now and the coffee genuinely is excellent.
Mark T.Price
Atlas Coffee Club single bags are around $17 for 12oz.
Verdict
If you are somebody who likes a vibrant, flavourful yet different blend every month, this is definitely for you.
Proud Mary - Ghost Rider Blend
92 / 100How I Tested Ghost Rider Blend
You know I always felt Australians do speciality coffee a bit differently. They like their espresso less stiff and traditional than we do. Australians are generally more experimental and flavour-driven.
But one thing we have in common is that we both want our coffee to be enjoyable every day.
This Ghost Rider, just like its name, tastes neither safe nor boring. And the best thing is, it doesn't get overwhelming either.
That is the kind of balance I'm always talking about.
It is a fruity blend with quite bright flavours and a touch of chocolatey notes.
Trust me, it all comes together quite nicely, actually. If you ask me, that kind of balance lands you in the best coffee beans in the world ranking.
What I Like
- Big fruity flavours.
- Very sweet espresso profile.
- Excellent crema quality.
What I Don't Like
- A bit pricier than common speciality blends.
- May feel too lively to some people.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
They describe their tasting notes as milk chocolate, red grape, blueberry, and syrupy. The first sip was way sweeter than I anticipated.
But it wasn't sweet in a bad way , it was like soft milk chocolate with a syrupy sweetness.
The blend itself uses beans from Brazil and Ethiopia, so you get both a creamy, chocolatey body and fruity jamminess.
The espresso shot had a thick body and a blueberry-plus-red-grape flavour.
It almost tasted like melted dark fruit jam, honestly. With pour-over, the fruitiness became even clearer which I quite enjoyed.
Brew Versatility
For me, I liked espresso more. The sweetness and body felt quite balanced. Milk drinks are very creamy while still keeping a subtle berry flavour.
As a pour over it still tasted fine, though espresso clearly felt like the main focus to me.
Customer Feedback
Really good selection of coffee both for having there and take away.
Jake M.Incredible coffee selection with super knowledgeable and friendly baristas.
Sophia K.Price
Usually around $36 for a 500g bag size.
Verdict
This is the only coffee in this Best Coffee Beans in the World guide that would shock you in the nicest possible way. So if you like surprises, definitely give it a try.
Kaffebox - Scandinavian Coffee
91 / 100How I Tested Kaffebox Scandinavian Coffee
This one felt totally different from all other coffees in this Best Coffee Beans in the World guide. Kaffebox is a Norway-based Scandinavian-style light roast coffee.
It is very clean, fruit-forward and terroir-focused. Which means your cup will always taste like the place it came from.
It's like trying a coffee from a specific place without ever leaving your home.
And honestly, that is the whole point. These beans are considered the world's best coffee beans.
So, as always, I tested these beans using the same espresso and pour-over framework.
And not going to lie, this was probably one of the most interesting pour-over experiences in the entire list.
What I Like
- Good freshness.
- Beans from rare Nordic micro-roasters.
- Very clean flavour clarity.
What I Don't Like
- Probably too light for dark roast fans.
- International shipping can affect freshness timing.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
This is a Nordic-style speciality coffee with tasting notes of florals, citrus and berries. From the first sip, I thought it tasted really clean.
It had a bright, crispy acidity with strong floral notes, more pronounced with the pour-over method.
Then slowly the citrus and berry sweetness became more pronounced.
You must know that this is not comforting, chocolatey coffee. It is more delicate and tea-like.
It can become quite addictive to those of you who enjoy light roasts with floral notes.
Brew Versatility
This one definitely worked best through the V60 pour-over method during testing.
Espresso tasted fine, but the lighter roast profile opened up its flavours more in filter brewing.
If you're into filter coffee, you should definitely give the best filter coffee beans a try.
And that is perfectly okay, not every coffee needs to be a heavy espresso blend.
Customer Feedback
Great tasting coffee and great service.
Oliver S.Tastes lovely very smooth light roast coffee.
Hannah W.Price
Subscriptions start around $20 for 250g bags, monthly.
Verdict
Kaffebox is probably one of the best ways to step into the Scandinavian coffee culture. It's ideal for V60 and filter coffee lovers.
The Barn - Espresso Blend
93 / 100How I Tested The Barn Espresso Blend
The Barn feels like one of those coffee brands that genuinely cares about its customers. And once I tried the espresso, it honestly spoke for itself.
These Berlin-based coffee roasters focus completely on the coffee itself.
Their coffee honestly reminded me of some of the best coffee roasters in the UK.
This approach really works in favour of making them the Best Coffee Beans in the World.
I brewed the espresso using my Sage Barista Pro with an 18g dose, 36g yield, and 93°C water.
Then, with V60 pour over using 15g coffee with 250ml water at 92°C. And surprisingly, these beans tasted great with both methods.
What I Like
- Espresso felt very refined.
- Very fresh beans.
- Clean sourcing.
- Accurate sweetness and acidity.
What I Don't Like
- A bit more expensive than other brands.
- Might be light for darker roast fans.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
The opening notes for this blend are caramel, stone fruit and cocoa. In my first sip, I felt this caramel-like sweetness in my espresso shot.
Then, somewhere in the middle, I started to taste the stone fruit, adding a soft brightness to the coffee.
You can actually feel the slight hints of cocoa in the aftertaste. It actually rounded up the whole shot. It doesn't taste burnt or bitter but feels quite polished.
I kind of get why these beans are pretty high in the coffee bean ranking.
Brew Versatility
To my surprise, this coffee felt good in both espresso and V60. In espresso, it had more body and sweetness.
Meanwhile, V60 gave the fruit notes way more clarity. And it also held up well with milk drinks without toning down the flavour.
Customer Feedback
Great products, quick delivery and amazing coffee.
Chris L.Tastes expensive in the best way possible.
Emma R.Price
Usually around €20 per 250g bag.
Verdict
If you are looking for the best coffee brands in the world that are also quite versatile, this is a must-try.
Five Elephant - Colombian La Mina Espresso
93 / 100How I Tested Colombian La Mina Espresso
Before you even taste this blend, I should tell you that Five Elephant feels very Berlin just from the packaging.
It has clean branding and very minimal packaging. And the second you brew it, it feels so simple and clean.
This La Mina espresso is very intentionally built. I tested it through the Sage Barista Pro using the same setup as the rest of this guide.
18g in, 36g out, 93°C water. Then pour over with a V60 using 15g of coffee and 250ml of water at 92°C.
Its first shot felt brighter and sharper. When I dialled the grind slightly finer, the sweetness became way more noticeable.
Honestly, your espresso grinder makes a massive difference in the coffee, too.
What I Like
- Very clean espresso.
- Refined sweetness.
- Fresh roast quality.
What I Don't Like
- Definitely not cheap coffee.
- A bit lighter profile for dark roast drinkers.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
This blend has tasting notes of red apple, panela and orange peel.
When I took the first sip, I immediately felt the red apple note.
After drinking it for a while, I started getting a sweet panela flavour , it actually reminded me of brown sugar, but sharper.
And right near the end, there was this orange peel note. I was expecting it to be bitter, but it wasn't. It felt just the right amount of citrusy.
When I tested it with pour-over, the fruitiness and creaminess were both enhanced in the cup.
Brew Versatility
In the espresso, the sweetness and texture came out really well. V60 tasted very clean too , fruitier and a bit more delicate.
Milk drinks were okay as well, but personally, I think black espresso suited this coffee better.
Customer Feedback
Very clean and elegant espresso.
Luca M.The coffee always arrives fresh and well curated.
Marc T.Price
It is around €19.63 for 250g or €72.90 for 1kg.
Verdict
I would say that this is a very refined coffee. It was quite a clean and polished drink.
Nomad - Atlas Espresso Blend
89 / 100How I Tested Atlas Espresso Blend
I've told you about many clean, delicate espressos in this UK guide to the best coffee beans in the world. But this Spanish brand does not care about that at all.
Nomad Atlas is unapologetically dark and heavy in that traditional old-school way. But it still has that speciality coffee richness.
And honestly, I actually liked that change from testing all the fruity light espresso.
The blend includes Brazilian and Indonesian Java coffee beans. And you can taste both sides pretty clearly once dialled in.
If you've ever tried it, you'd want it in the best coffee beans in the world UK list.
What I Like
- Traditional espresso body.
- Strong chocolate flavour.
- Solid spice notes in espresso.
What I Don't Like
- Probably too heavy for light roast drinkers.
- Filter brewing loses some of the blend's texture.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
As you can guess, it has typical dark coffee notes like dark chocolate, nutmeg and spice.
Brazilian beans give it a chocolate flavour with sweet roasted nuts.
And the Indonesian side gives it all the spice, nutmeg mostly, and that earthy depth. It even had a slightly herbal finish near the end.
The espresso was pretty thick and syrupy. Milk actually made it comforting and smooth , a creamy body and very subtly spicy. This blend has very winter coffee energy.
Brew Versatility
With espresso, you can fully feel the body and texture. V60 tasted good too, but the heavy chocolate profile was slightly flatter than espresso.
But as a milk drink would be my favourite way to enjoy this blend.
Customer Feedback
Exactly how I want espresso to taste.
Marco T.Have tried coffee from many places and honestly never had anything as good.
Ella R.Price
Usually priced in the premium speciality coffee range, depending on bag size and freshness.
Verdict
This probably is the best coffee bean in the world for espresso. It is definitely built for people who still love typical classic espresso, but a bit more refined and clean.
Detour Coffee - Punch Buggy Blend
89 / 100How I Tested Punch Buggy Blend
This Canadian speciality coffee honestly is quite underhyped.
You usually jump to UK or American roasters when discussing the Best Coffee Beans in the World.
But brands like Detour are quietly producing one of the best coffee in the world.
They don't sell any overcomplicated or experimental blends , just really approachable espresso that tastes like proper speciality coffee.
And honestly, some mornings you just need a simple, easy brew.
This blend is a mix of Brazilian coffee beans with a rotating fresh seasonal Central American coffees.
I tested this through the same setup as everything else in the guide. Sage Barista Pro using 18g in, 36g out, 93°C water.
Then V60 with 15g coffee and 250ml water at 92°C.
The first thing I noticed was the syrupy, thick texture. It also had chocolate and hazelnut notes right at the start. I think it's also one of the best coffee gifts for lovers.
What I Like
- Comforting everyday espresso.
- Syrupy and thick body.
- Fresh seasonal coffees mixed into the blend.
What I Don't Like
- Not the brightest or most adventurous coffee here.
- Filter brewing loses some of the richness.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
This blend has tasting notes of chocolate, hazelnut and sweet cherry.
When you take the first sip, you get dark chocolate notes instantly, even before you can detect the hazelnut sweetness.
The cherry hints towards the end were quite subtle, yet they kept the espresso from feeling too heavy.
What I liked most was the syrupy espresso texture. It didn't have too much acidity or sharpness.
With milk, it became creamier, and the fruity notes calmed down.
This is probably one of my favourite flat white coffees in the Best Coffee Beans in the World guide.
Brew Versatility
This blend was good in espresso and pour-over. The body and sweetness felt much fuller. It really shone as milk drinks, especially cappuccinos and flat whites.
Customer Feedback
Excellent coffee source, roaster & cafes, may I say.
Jordan P.The best coffee , thank you for always making me feel at home!
Sen R.Price
Usually around $21 for a 300g bag.
Verdict
It is honestly very easy to like this coffee. Rich, chocolatey espresso with sweetness and a hint of cherry brightness.
Stumptown - Hair Bender
89 / 100How I Tested Hair Bender
Hair Bender is one of those coffees that you'll see everywhere when you search for the top 10 coffee beans in the world.
You see it in coffee forums, cafes and even on Google.
So I thought such a classic coffee should definitely be tested. And trust me, it did not disappoint.
This coffee has a personality of its own. It has a strong body, with big sweetness and little fruit and chocolate notes.
It sounds chaotic, I know, but Stumptown makes it work so easily.
What I Like
- Bold but still quite balanced.
- Great crema and espresso body.
- Excellent value for speciality coffee.
What I Don't Like
- Acidity can feel slightly sharp sometimes.
- Roast consistency varies.
Origin, Flavour & Taste
This blend is a combination of citrus, dark chocolate, with a little bit of raisin and some fudge.
The first thing I got was the dark chocolate and fudge notes. It made the coffee feel very rich and smooth.
The citrus felt like it was brightening the espresso with subtle raisin sweetness, silently making it well-rounded.
Honestly, it tasted smooth and balanced without becoming messy. Which is probably why so many people still love it.
Brew Versatility
This coffee worked really well across espresso and pour-over during testing. As an espresso, it had the biggest flavour intensity overall.
The intensity softened slightly during pour-over brewing, making the chocolate notes fuller.
And since beans are not overly oily, they'll also behave well in bean-to-cup espresso machines.
Customer Feedback
My go-to espresso beans always.
Ryan K.Really well balanced, nothing to dislike!
Taylor W.Price
Usually around $14–$17 for a 12oz bag.
Verdict
If you want dependable speciality coffee that can be a part of your routine, Hair Bender is exactly that.
Where To Buy The World's Best Coffee Beans
If you have ever read any of my guides, then you know that I always suggest buying directly from roasters.
That's the only place where you'll find the freshest beans.
And trust me, the freshness of coffee literally changes EVERYTHING. Even Hugh Jackman agrees , he quotes "To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions."
But you can also buy coffee beans online if you want to try different roast styles and origins, too.
You can also find your coffee from third-party sellers like Amazon or even your supermarket.
Conclusion
You know, after testing so many beans to find the best coffee beans brands in the world, one thing became very obvious to me.
The Best Coffee Beans In The World are rarely about marketing or even packaging.
They're always about consistency, freshness and balance.
If your coffee doesn't make you look forward to mornings, it misses the point. If you ask me, there is no single best coffee in the world for every person.
But there absolutely are coffees that make your mornings better once you find them.
That's why my favourite thing to tell you is to always stay curious. Try different origins and roast styles.
Because every now and then, something really amazing hits your cup to make it all worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Country Produces The Best Coffee Beans In The World?
Honestly, there is no single best coffee-producing country because every region offers something different. Ethiopia is famous for bright fruity coffees, Brazil for smooth chocolatey espresso, and Colombia for balanced sweetness and acidity. A lot depends on the flavour profile you personally enjoy and how you brew your coffee at home.
What Is The Difference Between Arabica And Robusta Coffee Beans?
Arabica beans usually taste smoother, sweeter, and more complex. You often notice chocolate, fruit, floral, or nutty flavours in them. Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter, and contain more caffeine. Most speciality coffee uses high-quality Arabica because it produces cleaner and more balanced flavours overall.
What Roast Level Produces The Best Flavour?
That honestly depends on what kind of coffee you enjoy drinking. Light roasts usually highlight fruity and floral notes, while medium roasts tend to be more balanced and sweeter. Dark roasts create heavier chocolatey flavours with more bitterness. For espresso, many people prefer medium to medium-dark roasts because they balance sweetness, body, and acidity well.
How Do I Choose The Best Coffee Beans For My Brew Method?
Espresso usually works best with medium- or medium-dark-roasted beans that have enough sweetness and body. Pour-over methods like the V60 often suit lighter-roasted coffees with cleaner fruit notes and greater clarity. French press tends to work well with richer and fuller-bodied coffees that create a heavier texture in the cup.
How Long Do Coffee Beans Stay Fresh, And How Should I Store Them?
Coffee beans usually taste best within four to six weeks after roasting, especially once the bag is opened. I always recommend storing them in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Avoid keeping coffee in the fridge, as temperature fluctuations can affect freshness and flavour surprisingly quickly.
