WHAT IS SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE?
Let's take you on a Single Origin Adventure in Antigua, Guatemala
Single Origin Coffee
At White Horse Coffee, we take pride in carefully selecting a range of seasonal Single Origin Coffees to showcase different farms, collectives and growing regions around the world.
Each coffee subject to a thorough selection process which involves weekly tasting (cupping) sessions with our coffee roasting and buying team. This intel is crucial in the selection of the best single origin coffees which will be roasted for both filter and espresso profiles.
Single origins tell the story of a region, its climate, and its culture. By choosing single origin, you’re embracing authenticity, celebrating craftsmanship, and connecting with the roots of your brew. Every sip is an invitation to explore.
If you're looking for something a little less nuanced, and perhaps more versatile, try our blended coffees instead. Blends are typically great for both milk coffees - think a flat white or latte - but are also work well with espresso, long blacks and for the largest range of brewing methods.
Single Origin coffees are most typically enjoyed as a filter-style beverage. We've dug a little deeper in our article 'What is Filter Coffee? A Barista's Guide'.
YOUR SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE TRAVELS A LONG WAY BEFORE LANDING IN YOUR CUP
A NEW STORY AND EXPERIENCE IN EACH DELIVERY
As part of White Horse Coffee's Roaster's Choice Subscription we send you a new Single Origin coffee each time. It's a fabulous way to experience new coffees and share with friends and family.
LET's DIG DEEPER INTO SINGLE ORIGIN
What makes the Best Single Origin Coffee?
Single origin coffee is the coffee world’s equivalent of a passport stamp — each bean tells a story about where it was grown, how it was processed, and the people behind it. But what actually makes the best single origin coffee? The answer comes down to a perfect mix of growing region, altitude, processing method, and coffee varietal — plus a little roasting magic along the way.
Some of the world’s best single origin coffees come from renowned coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Brazil, and Guatemala. Ethiopian coffees are famous for their bright floral aromas and juicy berry notes, while Colombian coffees often deliver balanced sweetness with caramel and citrus flavours. Kenyan coffee is celebrated for its bold acidity and blackcurrant characteristics, while Brazil produces smooth, chocolatey coffees that make an excellent everyday brew.
Altitude plays a massive role in coffee quality. Generally speaking, the higher the coffee is grown, the better the flavour complexity. High-altitude coffee plants grow more slowly, allowing the coffee cherries to develop denser beans packed with sugars and flavour compounds. This often results in cleaner, sweeter, and more vibrant cups. Coffees grown above 1,500 metres are particularly prized in specialty coffee circles — and yes, coffee people absolutely love talking about altitude.
Processing methods also shape the final flavour profile. Washed coffees tend to taste clean, crisp, and bright, highlighting acidity and delicate fruit notes. Natural processed coffees are dried inside the fruit, producing sweeter, heavier-bodied flavours with berry and tropical characteristics. Honey processed coffees sit somewhere in the middle, balancing sweetness and clarity beautifully.
Then there are coffee varietals — the genetic varieties of the coffee plant itself. Popular varietals like Bourbon, Typica, Gesha, and Caturra all contribute different flavour characteristics. Gesha coffees, for example, are highly sought after for their tea-like body, floral aromas, and remarkable complexity.
At White Horse Coffee, we love showcasing single origin coffees that highlight these unique characteristics. Whether you enjoy fruity Ethiopian coffees, rich Colombian beans, or smooth Brazilian favourites, single origin coffee offers an opportunity to experience the incredible diversity of specialty coffee — one delicious cup at a time.