Single-Origin vs. Blends: What’s the Difference?

Single-origin coffee comes from one specific place—this could be a country, region, farm, or even a single plot of land. When you sip a single-origin brew, you're tasting the unique fingerprint of that location: the soil, the altitude, the microclimate, and the care of the farmers.

At Summit Grounds, our Gesha and Chiroso are great examples of single-origin coffees. These beans are harvested in small batches and roasted to highlight their natural complexity. Expect nuanced notes—florals, fruits, and bright acidity—that reflect the purity of their origin.

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✅ Best for:

• Coffee purists

• Manual brewing methods (like pour-over or Chemex)

• Exploring flavor profiles from specific regions
  

What is a Coffee Blend?

A blend combines beans from two or more origins to create a balanced and consistent flavor profile. Blends are often designed to round out sharp edges, boost body, or add sweetness.

Blends can be incredibly versatile and are often favored in espresso-based drinks or when you're looking for a smooth, approachable brew every morning.

✅ Best for:

• Espresso or cold brew

• Milk-based drinks (like lattes)

• People who prefer consistency in their coffee
  

What Are Coffee Blends (and Why We Don’t Use Them)

Blends combine beans from multiple origins to achieve a consistent, uniform flavor. While they can be great for balance, they often flatten the distinctiveness of each origin. For us, blending means losing the identity of the bean—and we’d rather celebrate it.

By sticking to single-origin coffees, we’re able to support traceability, pay fair prices directly to farmers, and offer our customers a deeper connection to what’s in their cup.

Which One is Right for You?

There’s no right or wrong answer—it all depends on what kind of coffee experience you’re after. If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore the depth of a specific origin, go with a single origin. If you're looking for something cozy, smooth, and familiar, a blend might be your best bet.

Either way, make sure you’re getting high-quality, ethically sourced coffee that honors its origin and the people behind it.