Single origin in short
Single origin coffee literally means: coffee from a single origin. The beans come from one country, one region, or sometimes even one specific farm, instead of being a mix from multiple origins. There is no fixed minimum as to how specific that needs to be: coffee that is 100% from one country already counts as single origin, even if the beans within that country come from multiple farmers.
The opposite is a blend: a deliberate mix of beans from different countries, composed to guarantee the same taste year after year.
What is the difference from a blend?
With a blend, the roastery determines the ratio of beans from different origins themselves, so that the taste remains stable, even if the harvest in one of those countries is disappointing. Our Straight Up is an example of this: a blend from five countries, composed for a powerful, consistent taste, regardless of seasonal fluctuations.
With single origin, it works differently. There is no correction or addition of beans from other countries. This means you taste the pure character of that one place, and the taste can vary slightly from year to year, depending on how the harvest went that season. For some, this is a disadvantage (less predictable), for others, it's precisely the charm (a slightly different cup each season).
Why do you taste the difference? (terroir)
The climate, soil, and altitude at which coffee grows directly influence the taste. Coffee connoisseurs call this terroir, the same principle as with wine. Ethiopian coffee is therefore often fruity and floral, while Colombian beans are generally softer and rounder in taste, with notes of nuts or chocolate.
In a blend, these differences are mixed to form a balanced whole. With single origin, the specific character of that one origin remains intact, including the small imperfections and peaks that a blend would normally smooth out.
For Colombian coffee like Still Kicking and Easy Does It, three factors play a major role in that character. The altitude at which the beans grow ensures slower ripening, which gives the bean more time to build complexity. The climate, with stable tropical temperatures and regular rainfall, keeps the growing conditions consistent throughout the year. And the volcanic soil, rich in minerals, contributes to the recognizable, balanced flavor profile for which Colombian coffee is known.
Are you unsure which flavor profile suits you: fruity, mild, or powerful? Then check out our coffee choice guide.
What roasting does to a single origin
Besides origin, the degree of roast also determines how much of the original character you taste. With a light roast, the fruity and acidic notes of the origin remain most recognizable, precisely what you want to highlight in single origin. With a dark roast, the taste of the roasting process itself (chocolate, spices, a slight bitterness) takes over a larger part of the flavor profile, causing the origin to recede into the background.
That's also why single origin and a too dark roast don't always go well together: the darker you roast, the less you retain of what single origin is all about. Our Still Kicking and Easy Does It are therefore deliberately medium roast, dark enough for a full body, light enough to let the Colombian origin shine through.
Want to know more about the different roasts? Read our blog about medium roast, dark roast, and blonde roast.
How to best brew single origin coffee?
Single origin comes into its own with brewing methods where you let the coffee steep slowly and evenly, such as filter coffee or a French press. With these methods, you taste the nuances of the origin most clearly, without high pressure (as with espresso) compressing the flavors into something flatter.
This does not mean that single origin is unsuitable for espresso or automatic machines; our Still Kicking and Easy Does It are suitable for all brewing methods, but those truly seeking the pure Colombian character will get the most out of it with filter coffee.
A few practical guidelines:
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Grind your beans just before use; single origin loses its specific aromas faster than a blend
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Use water around 92-96°C; water that is too hot emphasizes bitterness and masks the subtler notes you want to taste in single origin
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Start with a neutral ratio (approximately 60 grams of coffee per liter of water) and adjust to taste; single origin often requires a bit more experimentation than a blend because the taste is less "made predictable"
Read more about the different types of grind sizes per brewing method.
What to look for when tasting single origin?
Single origin coffee is best tasted without milk or sugar, as these mask the nuances that make its origin unique. Pay attention to these four things:
- Acidity. Colombian coffee typically has a lively, fresh acidity, often described as fruity rather than sharp.
- Body. The fullness of the coffee in the mouth; with Still Kicking and Easy Does It, it's mild and round, not heavy.
- Finish. What remains after you swallow; with these two coffees, a mild, sweet aftertaste.
- Aroma. Smell before you taste; you often recognize fruity or sweet notes before the coffee reaches your mouth.
If you want to practice this more systematically, also with other coffees, read our guide how to taste coffee.
At Bunafide: single origin is in our decaf line
This might not be what you'd expect, but at Bunafide, you'll find single origin coffee in our decaf beans: Still Kicking and Easy Does It. Both are 100% from Colombia. No blend, no addition of beans from other countries.
That's relevant, because many decaf coffees on the market are anonymous bulk blends: beans from multiple countries, combined without the origin playing any role in the story. With Still Kicking and Easy Does It, you know exactly where the bean comes from. Please note: this is single origin at a country level; everything comes 100% from Colombia, without a mix.
In short: decaffeinated doesn't have to mean sacrificing character or origin.
Single origin or blend: what suits you?
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Do you want the same familiar taste every day? Choose a blend, like Straight Up or Super Nova. These are specifically designed to be consistent, season after season.
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Are you curious about flavor variation and want to truly taste the origin? Then single origin is a fun discovery, even without caffeine, with our Still Kicking, Still Kicking Woodcups or Easy Does It.
View the full range in our coffee bean and decaf collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is single origin coffee better than a blend?
Not necessarily better, but different. A blend is made for consistency and balance, single origin for a purer, more pronounced character that can vary per harvest. Which is "better" depends on what you are looking for in a cup of coffee.
Why is single origin often more expensive?
Because beans from multiple countries are not combined to manage price and availability, single origin is more susceptible to harvest fluctuations and is more limited in supply. This often makes purchasing more expensive than for a blend.
Does the taste of single origin coffee change per harvest?
Yes, it can. Because coffee is a natural product, the rain, sun, and temperature of that season influence the taste. In a blend, that effect is usually masked by the mix; in single origin, it remains noticeable.
Does Bunafide have single origin coffee?
Yes, our Still Kicking (beans) and Easy Does It (ground) are both 100% single origin from Colombia, and both decaf.
Is all Colombian coffee single origin?
No. Colombian beans are also widely used in blends, combined with beans from other countries. Only when a product consists exclusively of Colombian beans, as with Still Kicking and Easy Does It, can you speak of single origin.
In short
Single origin coffee comes from one country, region, or farm, and allows you to taste the pure character of that origin, including the natural variation per harvest. At Bunafide, that story is not in our blends, but in our decaf line: Still Kicking and Easy Does It are both 100% Colombian, unblended. Curious how that tastes? Discover Still Kicking.
Curious about what else origin means for the taste of your cup of coffee? Read where the ideal cup of coffee comes from.
