Curious about the best single origin coffee beans UK? Simplifying it, the optimal choice for UK brew aficionados remains the Balance Coffee single origin taster pack.
Why? Backed by 5-star reviews, boasting a fruity flavour profile, and encompassing a trio of exclusive coffees curated from around the globe, your taste receptors are bound to be ignited.
Tailored impeccably to a diverse array of brewing methods such as Cafetiere, Aeropress, and V60, its fruity notes come alive as you meticulously brew it to perfection.
Note: Use the below SKIP LINKS to navigate to the section majority of the 2000 readers focus on.
It undoubtedly stands as one of the best coffee beans in the world. However, while I may have already presented the ultimate pick, I'm also keen on furnishing you with a broader spectrum of choices.
This approach ensures you can confidently arrive at an informed decision, selecting from a roaster of premium UK single origin coffee brands.
Thankfully, my 10+ years as a professional barista and coffee trainer come in handy as I’ve personally researched, met and taste-tested hundreds of single origin coffee roasters across the UK, all of whom produce some of the finest single origin coffee beans UK.
Let’s dive right into the best single origin coffee in the UK, shall we?
Where To Buy Single-Origin Coffee Online Today
Did you know that during the first half of 2019, this market resulted in £147 million in grocery sales? In 2020, this figure grew by 4% and surpassed the premium coffee segment.
These figures mean that it is growing in popularity, so if you haven’t tried it already, it’s time to get your hands on it too!
Looking for the perfect coffee in the UK can be a bit tricky. But don't worry, I've got you covered!
Using my 10+ years of experience in the industry, along with lots of testing and deep research, I've gathered the best single origin coffees in the UK!
But hold on a moment!
Just take a quick look at the three options below to treat yourself to an awesome cup of special coffee.
I've personally tried beans from each of the brands listed in the table, and I can assure you that their beans are sourced in an ethical way.
And that's not all!
They're also really committed to taking care of the environment, so you and I can enjoy a safe planet.
But wait, there's more!
Every single origin coffee brand provides FREE SHIPPING for their beans, and they even guarantee a REFUND within 14 to 30 days if you're not satisfied (so you can shop with confidence).
Limited Time Offer: When you order your first bag from Balance Coffee, you'll GET 15% OFF to shop your favourite single origin coffee!
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
Balance Coffee |
|
Shop & Save 15% |
Clifton Mountain Estate |
|
Shop Now! |
Mellow and Balanced |
|
Shop Now! |
1. Balance Coffee: Single Origin Taster Pack
If you are after a complex flavour and rich aroma, the taster pack we offer at Balance Coffee is not to be missed. Because we are one of the best coffee roasters in the UK.
It is great for all brew methods but best suited for Aeropress, Cafetiere and V60. Are you a fan of Aeropress brew method?
Then my new post on the best coffee for Aeropress should leave quite the impression.
Well, for starters, our coffee is not only delicious but is also optimised for health. Let me explain.
Each bag of coffee at Balance is tested and screened for mould, mycotoxins and pesticides, and backed by science because we believe in drinking coffee that supports your longevity.
Sadly, around 95% of the coffee produced globally contains these nasties, which can harm your body!
Our coffee is also speciality-grade and 100% Arabica, so you can be assured that you enjoy the best quality coffee.
When it comes to our taster pack, the coffee inside it is seasonally sourced, so you get to enjoy our freshest and best.
Each bag inside the pack is different, so you can expect to enjoy unique flavour profiles and characteristics. Plus when you pair it with some of the best Sage coffee machines, the results can be earth-shattering.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Dive into what some of our customers have to say about our taster pack and decide for yourself.
Click here to stock up on our Single origin Taster Pack.
2. Sea Island: Clifton Mount Estate
Nothing beats a perfectly brewed cup of coffee on a bright, crisp day. And you can lean on Sea Island’s Clifton Mount Estate to do just that!
Clifton Mount Estate is also specialty-grade and can easily be traced back to one of the oldest functioning estates in the Jamaican Blue Mountains.
Each cup of coffee from this pack leaves a rich and creamy aftertaste. The tasting notes are mellow yet beautifully smooth, which makes it a top pick!
Check out coffee specifications
3. Kiss the Hippo: Mellow and Balanced
If you’re a coffee snob who’s been tailing the coffee scene in the UK, you must have heard about Kiss the Hippo.
This coffee brand is known for roasting fresh and flavourful coffees. While it roasts blends and single-origin coffee, its Mellow and Balanced pack is a winner.
Sourced from the foothills of the Andes in Los Vascos, Columbia, this coffee has caramel, honey and green apple-tasting notes.
Sipping on a steaming mug of coffee brewed from this pack is delightful. Hence, it is one of the best UK single origin coffee whole beans on the market.
Check out coffee specifications.
But wait!
Let me answer a quick question for you below, before we dive even deeper.
What Is Single Origin Coffee?
Single-origin coffee is just what the name represents. It is a speciality coffee that you can trace back to a single location, region or country.
Think of it this way: every bean has a story, but this coffee has fewer twists and turns as such, you can easily trace it back to its source.
But I know what you must be thinking, why does this even matter? After all, we just want to enjoy rich, flavoursome mugs of coffee, right?
It is known for providing unparalleled flavour profiles and essence specific to the location where they were grown.
In addition to its spot-on traceability, single-origin coffee is usually of superior quality to blends. (Now I have your attention, don’t I?)
Here are a few more fun facts and benefits of opting for this coffee type:
- They have unique acidity levels and body types
- They offer a more complex flavour profile than blends do.
Importance of Understanding The Source of Your Coffee Beans
If you are not a fully converted coffee enthusiast yet, you must be left wondering, why should I go through the trouble of tracing my coffee to its source? Is it important for me to whether its Peruvian coffee or Ethiopian coffee?
Well, you SHOULD trace your coffee to its source! Let me explain why it is essential.
Understanding the source of your coffee beans is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows you to appreciate the unique flavour profiles and characteristics of coffee from different regions and countries.
This helps you in purchasing speciality coffee online because it means you can choose based on origin, region and tasting notes.
This can be a great way to experience the diversity of coffee and appreciate the art and science behind coffee cultivation.
Understanding your coffee beans' source can also support sustainable and ethical production.
When you know where your coffee beans are coming from, you can make an informed decision about the farming practices and labour conditions used to produce them.
By purchasing coffee from sources that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices, you can support the farmers and communities that produce the coffee you enjoy.
This can help ensure that coffee cultivation is done in a way that is good for both the environment and the people involved in its production.
How to Choose The Best Single Origin Coffee?
The search for the best single origin coffee in the UK is daunting. Trust me, I know.
How? Because I’ve travelled across the country taste-testing thousands of cups of speciality coffee to understand what’s truly the best.
So, without further ado, here’s an exclusive sneak peek into my process for choosing it!
1. Look For Specific Information About the Source On the Packaging and Website
That sounds like a no-brainer, right? Well, there is more to the story.
You will notice that the location or nation where the coffee beans are cultivated (including any details about the farm or cooperative that produced them) is stated on the package.
This will help you understand the distinctive flavour profile and qualities of the coffee you are buying.
Additionally, intricate details about the sourcing of coffee beans on the packaging or the website also demonstrate the transparency of the brand.
Have a look at this:
Now using this information, you can tell what Balance Coffee’s sourcing methods are like and what the flavour notes will be like.
This will help you make an informed decision.
Consider the Flavour Profile You Prefer and Choose a Region Known for those Flavours.
Have you ever heard of reverse engineering? Well, this is exactly that but more rewarding (hint: toasty and steaming mugs of coffee with your favourite tasting notes!).
If you like sweet flavours with deep earthy tones, you’d want to go for Indonesian coffee. Kenyan coffee is a top choice for coffee snobs who live for floral, rich and bold flavours.
Each region offers a distinct flavour profile, so all you have to do is taste-test the ones you enjoy the most.
Recommended For You: Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte vs Americano vs Macchiato
If you want a coffee subscription that delivers a wide-ranging and ever-changing mix of it to your door, then check out our ‘Discovery Description’.
And well, you know the rest!
If you haven't got time to waste looking for flavour profiles and their corresponding regions, here is a quick table we’ve compiled using a study so you can skim the origins to grab your bag of beans.
Coffee Beans Origin |
Aroma |
Acidity |
Flavour |
Aftertaste |
Colombia |
woody, spicy, toasted notes with nutty hints |
gentle brightness |
butter, caramel, chocolate, nuts |
dark chocolate with nutty hints |
Honduras |
vanilla, butter, caramel, nutty notes |
moderate brightness |
butter, caramel, chocolate, spicy, toast-like notes |
chocolate, nutty, sherry |
Mexico |
spicy, woody, vanilla notes |
gentle brightness |
sandalwood, honey, pineapple, vanilla, |
dark chocolate hints, vanilla |
El Salvador |
spicy, fruity, popcorn, toasted notes |
gentle brightness |
mocha, caramel, apple, nutty, almonds |
dark chocolate hints, nutty |
Peru |
spicy, floral, citrus notes |
gentle brightness |
tobacco, caramel, vanilla, nutty |
velvety, sweet, caramel |
Papua New Guinea |
spicy, apricot, bouquet notes |
moderate brightness |
woody, spicy, rose, honey, apricot, malty |
dark chocolate hints, butter, caramel |
Brazil |
toasted notes with nutty hints |
gentle brightness |
caramel, chocolate, nutty |
dark chocolate |
Ethiopia, Sidamo |
citrus, bouquet notes |
sparkle brightness |
lemon, caramel, berries |
dark chocolate hints |
Ethiopia, Harrar |
berries, rose, floral, apricot notes |
moderate brightness |
butter, caramel, apricot, rose bouquet |
dark chocolate hints, caramel |
Kenya |
Sweet, fruity and berry-like |
Bright and deep, wine-like acidity |
Bergamot, Berries, Lemongrass |
Dark chocolate hints |
Thailand |
Sweet and funky floral |
Bright and mild |
Zesty tropical and fruity |
Caramel |
Check Online Reviews
Lastly, make sure you do a sweep of customer reviews. Trust me; customer reviews will point you towards the best brands.
The formula is straightforward: look for a brand with a high percentage of good customer reviews and a low percentage of bad customer reviews.
Since I have covered the basics above, let me now walk you through the carefully selected brands.
The 10 Best Single Origin Coffee Beans Brands In The UK
We have all been there at some point, staring at a shelf or online store full of coffee bags but not knowing what to get. This is even more true for coffee from just one origin!
Why? Because they are not as straightforward as other things on our grocery list, right? And you certainly don’t want to waste any pounds on poor-tasting coffee!
Hence, I put together well-crafted criteria for your decision making process.
Here are some factors that helped brands make it to my best single origin coffee in the UK list:
| Analysis Factor | How I Judged The Factor |
|---|---|
| Freshness of The Coffee | Roast date and size of the roasting batches |
| Healthy or Unhealthy Coffee | Tested and screened for nasties like mycotoxins, mould and pesticides |
| Traceability | High-quality sourcing and traceability of the supply chain |
| Flavour Profile (of course!) | Tasting notes and flavours |
| Brand credibility and reputation | Customer reviews |
| Value for money | The price and quality mix |
1. Balance Coffee UK
I’ve already made my case for why Balance Coffee’s single taster pack should be on your must-try bucket list. I have again featured it in the article best coffee for pour over because it is the best.
But let me break down the reasons some more.
Here at Balance Coffee, we are committed to providing the freshest, most delicious and healthiest coffee possible. To achieve this, we have some measures in place.
To ensure that we give you speciality coffee and nothing less than the best, we source it only from the top 5% of coffee suppliers.
Our coffee is handpicked at higher altitudes and free from nasty pesticides. It also gives you the power of over 1000 anti-oxidants!
In the end, what you see is what you get. Our bean-to-cup journey is entirely traceable, and we roast our beans fresh to order.
The single-origin taster pack has been a hit with our customers and is a best-seller. When brewed to perfection, it can make your cup of joe awaken all your senses on a lazy morning.
Click on the "Shop Single Origin Taster Pack & Save £5" button to try out the Balance Single Origin Taster Pack guided by a 60 days money back guarantee.
2. Sea Island Clifton Mount Estate
There are quite a few reasons why the sea island Clifton mount estate is one of the best in the UK.
It makes for a dreamy, rich and flavoursome coffee mug. Each coffee brewed from this pack has low acidity and a creamy aftertaste.
Moreover, it is beautifully smooth and mellow and comes from one of the oldest functioning estates in the Jamaican Mountains. Its chocolate and floral tasting notes make this blend even more enjoyable.
All of their Jamaican Blue Mountains coffee is 100% Grade 1, Screen 17/18, and certified as export quality by The Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica.
It has all the suitable characteristics for being one of the best single origin coffee beans.
3. Kiss the Hippo: Mellow and Balanced
Kiss the Hippo is a famous coffee roastery based in Richmond, London. Its mellow and balanced taste is easygoing and hard not to love.
It is sourced from the Andes' foothills in Columbia and cultivated by many smallholders living in the territory.
Since these are omnipresent beans, so they lend themselves equally to espresso and filter methods.
They are one of the best single origin coffee beans with tasting notes of caramel, honey and green apple.
4. Assembly House Single Espresso
Assembly Coffee is known for its meticulous attention to detail, from the coffee bean to the cup.
Their House Single Espresso is easily the best single origin coffee beans for espresso on the market.
These Red Bourbon beans are grown and honey processed in Las Brumas, El Salvador.
It has a mouth-watering flavour profile! It includes the flavours of ripe peaches and baked green apples with hints of dates and honey.
The result of espresso with this pack certainly lives up to the raving reviews.
And if you are an espresso enthusiast, make sure you check out the best coffee beans for espresso.
5. Rounton Coffee Roasters El Salvador Bosque Lya
When looking for the best single origin coffee roasters, I also thought to hunt one that offers excellent value for money.
And the Rounton Coffee Roasters El Salvador Bosque Lya is exactly that.
It is a medium roast and lends itself perfectly to espresso coffee and pour-overs. It is sourced from the Finca Bosque Lya farm in El Salvador.
The coffee made from these beans is completely flavoursome with notes of plum, milk chocolate and hazelnut.
These flavours also come through beautifully in cappuccinos and creamy coffee beverages.
It is also an award-winning coffee. It is no wonder that it was such an easy choice for the best single origin coffee UK!
6. Small Batch Ethiopia Nano Challa
These beans are sourced from Western Ethiopia. This coffee is directly sourced from a small cooperative in Agaro, Ethiopia.
So what makes this coffee so unique?
Freshly brewed and steaming mugs of coffee made from this pack have a rich, summery and floral aroma.
When it comes to its tasting notes, you can enjoy hints of apricot and honey with a sprinkle of lemon.
This coffee is perfect for long, summery nights.
It is ethically sourced and responsibly crafted so you can enjoy guilt-free and delicious cups.
7. Coffee Bean Shop Monsoon Malabar
This is a unique find on our list of the best single-origin coffee in the UK! That’s because it is sourced from the heartlands of India.
Since it is dried and aged slowly in the monsoon winds of India, you’ll find earthy, spicy and tobacco notes in this coffee.
Once the beans arrive in the UK, they are slowly roasted to perfection. This also means that when you order them, you get them fresh!
It has a light to medium profile, making it perfect for coffee snobs who like their coffee rich.
This coffee is luxurious, extremely satisfying, and one of the Kent company’s bestsellers.
8. Taylors of Harrogate Colombia
Taylors of Harrogate is a popular name in the coffee world. If you have been following the coffee space, you must have heard about it.
Its single-origin coffee is quite impressive, delicious and addictive.
This single-origin coffee pack is sourced from South America. The coffee is rich and chocolatey and yet has fruity tones.
This is a Yorkshire-based coffee roaster, and they also roast their beans fresh as the orders come in.
They have been in the market since 1886, so they know what they’re doing!
9. Union Emporium Caturra Mricolot
Are you one of those coffee enthusiasts who love rich buttery beverages? Then this single-origin coffee is going to do the trick!
This coffee is sourced from the rich and volcanic soils of the Emporio farm in Panama.
This coffee is unique because it comes packed with tastes of vanilla and blackcurrant.
Additionally, the coffee cherries in this pack are sun-dried and then hulled to prepare for roasting.
This single-origin coffee is an excellent and eco-friendly choice for you!
10. Climpson Fields V11: Reko, Ethiopia
Last but certainly not least on my list of the best single-origin coffee UK, is the Climpson Field’s Reko, Ethiopia.
This is the product of Climpson and Sons, an East London company offering fresh and speciality-grade coffee.
This high-grade coffee offers a fruity punch with pronounced and nuanced tangy peaches and mango tastes.
You will also be able to taste subtle notes of cranberry and pomegranate. Ethiopian farmers carefully grow this coffee on plantations 2100 meters above sea level.
Perhaps, that is what makes this coffee so unique.
The Differences Between Single-Origin and Blended Coffee
Single-origin coffee is made from beans from a specific region. In contrast, blended coffee comes from a combination of beans from different areas.
The main difference between the two is that single-origin coffee is pure coffee, and blended coffee is a mix of other coffee beans.
Both varieties of coffee have distinctive qualities of their own, so there is no obvious answer for which one is better. Whether single-origin or blended coffee is better depends on your preference and taste.
But let’s narrow down the key differences between both types so you can make a more informed decision.
|
Single Origin Coffee |
Blended Coffee |
|
Sourced from one single crop, producer or region in a country |
Coffee from different regions mixed together |
|
Usually of a higher quality |
Usually of a lesser quality than single origin |
|
Considered to be ‘pure’ |
Not ‘pure’ |
|
The flavour, body and acidity are less balanced |
It lends the coffee more balance in terms of flavour, body and acidity |
|
Generally more expensive |
Generally less expensive |
So basically, the difference between both the types of coffee boils down to flavour profile, purity and consistency.
And just so you know, there is no clear answer for which one is better. Some people love the mouthfeel of blends, while others like the exotic and more robust taste of single-origin coffee.
The Benefits of Drinking Single-Origin Coffee
There is no denying that single-origin coffee has some powerful benefits. If you are tempted to get a blend since it's cheaper, think about the benefits of single-origin coffee.
Single-origin coffees may be ideal if you want to explore the unique characteristics and exotic flavours worldwide.
Here are a few other benefits of consuming single-origin coffee:
- It allows you to appreciate the individual flavour profiles and qualities of coffee from different countries
- It helps you support sustainable and ethical production coffee production
- It is a great way to experience the diversity of coffee and appreciate the art and science behind coffee cultivation.
- It is free from additional flavours or aromas usually added to blended coffee.
- It is more complex and nuanced in flavour.
- It is also a great strategy to support small-scale farmers and cooperatives, which often produce high-quality coffee beans grown with care and dedication.
In short, single-origin coffee is a perfect choice for coffee connoisseurs looking for a unique and authentic coffee experience.
The Different Ways Of Brewing Single-Origin Coffee
Picture this: you just got your hands on a spectacular pack of single-origin coffee. It is a crisp Sunday morning, and now you want your toasty mug of coffee.
But to do that, you need to pair the best single-origin coffee grounds or beans with the proper brewing process.
And the good news is that there are quite a few different ways to do so. You can brew your coffee using any of the following brewing methods:
- Drip Brewing
- French Press
- Pour Over
- Cold Brew
Drip brewing is the most popular method, as it is quick and easy to do. French press and pour-over methods are also great ways to brew single-origin coffee, as they extract the full flavour and aroma from the beans.
Cold brew is also a great way to brew single-origin coffee, as it is a low-acidic way of brewing, which means that it is perfect for those sensitive to acidic foods.
Each method has a unique flavour profile, so it is important to experiment to find the one you prefer.
Equipments & Coffee Accessories For Brewing Single-Origin Coffee
Lucky for us, there is a wide range of coffee equipment and accessories available for brewing single-origin coffee.
Coffee brewing equipment helps us get our favourite coffee in no time and with minimal effort! Pair the right coffee equipment with the elite single-origin coffee taste, and you are a winner!
Examples of coffee accessories and equipment you can use include coffee grinders, makers, French presses, pour-over cones and cold brew machines.
The right grinder is essential for brewing single-origin coffee, as it will ensure that the beans are ground to the right consistency.
French presses and pour-over cones are also great for brewing single-origin coffee, as they allow for total extraction of the flavour and aroma from the beans.
Also, you can invest in many espresso machines to fulfil your coffee needs without leaving your house, such as the Sage Oracle Touch Coffee Machine, which gives you the cafe feeling right at home.
Other coffee equipment, such as the French press, gives you a great coffee experience without needing to be heavy or electric.
However, this may require you to invest in a coffee grinder, as some single-origin coffee varieties may come in bean form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How should I brew single-origin coffee?
Some options include a drip coffee maker, a pour-over method, or a French press. The best way to brew single-origin coffee will depend on the specific beans and your taste preferences. Experiment with different brewing methods and find what works best for you.
Can single-origin coffee be flavoured?
Some single-origin coffee beans may have natural flavours, such as chocolate or fruit notes. However, adding artificial flavours to single-origin coffee is generally not expected.
Where can I buy single-origin coffee?
Single-origin coffee can be purchased from speciality coffee shops, online retailers, or directly from the source (such as a specific farm or cooperative).
How is single-origin coffee roasted?
Single-origin coffee is typically roasted in a similar way to other types of coffee, but the roast profile may be tailored to bring out the specific flavours of the beans. The roast level (light, medium, or dark) may also be chosen to highlight the unique characteristics of the beans.
Is Single Origin Coffee Good For Espresso?
Single-origin coffee is generally considered to be good for espresso. Espresso is a method of brewing coffee where hot water is forced through finely ground coffee under high pressure. Single-origin coffee beans are known for their unique flavour profiles and characteristics, which make them perfect for espresso.
Espresso coffee is most suited for those with a particular taste, and luckily, single-origin coffee is the best way to curb your espresso craving.
Is Single Origin Coffee Organic?
Single-origin coffee can be organic, but it is only sometimes the case. Organic coffee is grown without chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides. When purchasing single-origin coffee, it is essential to research the farm or cooperative that produced it and look for information about their farming practices.
Summing it Up
Single-origin coffee is a great way to take your coffee journey to the next level. It promises unique flavour profiles from specific regions and is generally good quality. But to get the most out of it, make sure you take your pick from our best single-origin coffee UK list!
If you’re looking for delicious, hassle-free coffee to be delivered to your doorstep regularly, it’s time to invest in a coffee subscription. With this, you can easily skip the frustrating ‘ran out of it’ coffee moments.
And last but not least, if you care about what goes inside your body and want healthy and delicious coffee, check out Balance Coffee!
