Beans & Roasts

10 articles · Daily Grind Guide

The bean is where it all starts. No brewing method can rescue a stale or poorly roasted coffee — and conversely, a great bean makes almost any reasonable brewing method sing.

This section is about understanding what's in your bag: the difference between arabica and robusta, what single-origin means and when it matters, how to read a roast date (and why it matters far more than the roast level), and what flavor notes in different growing regions — Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Sumatra — actually mean in the cup.

We also cover coffee subscriptions worth your money, how to store beans properly, and how to build a vocabulary for what you're tasting. Whether you're buying from a local roaster or ordering online, these guides will help you make a more informed, more satisfying choice every time.

— Marcus Webb, Lead Editor & Coffee Expert