When searching for specialty coffee , you'll find a vast world of crops, flavors, processing methods, and roasting techniques. Therefore, choosing the right coffee isn't solely based on the country of origin, but rather on a range of factors that define the character of each crop. Drip On Roastery offers a diverse selection of specialty coffees, helping coffee lovers discover different crops and experience fruity, floral, chocolatey, and nutty flavors, whether the coffee is intended for drip, espresso, or other brewing methods.
In recent years, specialty coffee has become an important part of modern coffee culture, with consumers paying more attention to the origin of the beans, how they are grown and processed, and their roasting history, rather than just the strength or bitterness of the brew. Understanding the differences between coffee varieties makes it easier to choose the coffee that suits your taste and brewing method.
10 Types of Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee in Saudi Arabia is characterized by high-quality, locally roasted beans. One of the leading specialty coffee shops is Drip On in Jeddah, which offers a diverse range of fresh beans suitable for V60 and espresso. Here are 10 popular types, focusing on Drip On's currently available products:
- Ethiopia (Hambila or Yorgachev) – Floral and fruity flavors (jasmine, berry, mango), the most popular at Drip On Distillery.
- Brazil (Akea) – Chocolate, hazelnut and peanut, balanced and ideal for espresso.
- Columbia (Hacienda or Caldas) – Caramel, honey, and light citrus, versatile.
- Yemen (Haraz) – Chocolate, caramel and spices, a deep classic character.
- Uganda (Rwenzori) – Tropical fruits, pineapple and berries.
- El Salvador – smooth and balanced flavors with fruity touches.
- Costa Rica – bright sweetness and citrus.
- Rwanda – clean fruitiness and balanced acidity.
- Special blends (such as Blend Drip On) – a balance of nuts, grapes, and cinnamon.
- The Saudi Royal Blend – Saudi coffee with cardamom and saffron, ready for traditional hospitality.
A brief overview of Drip On products:
Drip On is one of the leading specialty coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia, offering fresh, locally roasted crops in Jeddah from the best international farms such as Ethiopia Hambela, Brazil Aquia, Colombia Hacienda and Yemen Haraz, in addition to ready-to-prepare sachets and various packages suitable for V60 and espresso, with high customer ratings for flavor quality, freshness and delivery service.
What is meant by specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is coffee whose quality is carefully considered in multiple stages, starting from planting the coffee tree and selecting suitable fruits, through harvesting, processing, drying and storage, up to roasting and preparation.
Specialty coffee does not simply mean a specific type of coffee bean, but rather refers to an integrated system of quality, care, and traceability.
Some of the most important information that will help you understand the product includes:
- country of origin.
- The producing region.
- Type of coffee or plant variety.
- Method of processing.
- Height above sea level.
- Roasting date.
- Degree of roasting.
- Tasting notes.
This is why specialty coffees differ in flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and sweetness, even when they come from the same country.
The most famous specialty coffee producing countries
There are many countries that produce distinctive crops, and each region is characterized by different natural and climatic conditions that affect the characteristics of coffee.
Ethiopian coffee
Ethiopia is one of the most famous sources of specialty coffee in the world, and some of its crops are characterized by a distinct fruity and floral flavor.
Ethiopian coffee may exhibit characteristics similar to:
- Berries.
- Citrus fruits.
- Jasmine.
- Tropical fruits.
- Tea.
These crops are often suitable for drip coffee lovers who want to discover subtle and bright flavors.
Colombian coffee
Colombia is characterized by a great diversity in coffee-producing regions, and therefore the characteristics of the coffee vary from region to region.
Colombian coffee can offer balanced flavors that combine sweetness, acidity, and body, and may show notes of caramel, chocolate, and fruit.
It is a suitable option for those who want to start experimenting with specialty coffee without moving directly to highly acidic or fruity flavors.
Brazilian coffee
Brazil is one of the largest coffee producers, and some of its crops are known for their rich and balanced flavors.
It may contain notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel, which is why many types of Brazilian coffee are used in espresso and blends.
This coffee is suitable for people who prefer a rich cup, clear body, and moderate acidity.
Kenyan coffee
Some Kenyan crops are characterized by pronounced acidity and fruity flavors, and may show notes of berries, red fruits, and citrus.
Therefore, it is a suitable option for those looking for a different and strong flavor experience.
Types of specialty coffee according to processing method
The method of processing the coffee fruit after harvesting greatly affects the final result.
Washed treatment
In this method, parts of the coffee fruit are removed before the beans are dried.
This often results in a cup that is clean and clear, highlighting the acidity and natural characteristics of the crop.
The washed treatment is suitable for people who like subtle and clear flavors.
Natural treatment
The beans are dried along with parts of the coffee fruit, allowing some of the fruit's properties to be transferred to the beans.
This may result in a sweeter, more bodyy cup, with pronounced fruity flavors in some crops.
to treat
There are multiple processing methods, in which part of the sugary substance surrounding the grain is left during drying.
This method may combine some characteristics of washed and natural treatment, with the result varying according to the treatment method and drying conditions.
Therefore, knowing the processing method helps you understand the difference between types of specialty coffee before trying the product.
Types of specialty coffee according to roast level
The degree of roasting is a key element in determining the character of coffee.
light roasting
Light roasting helps to highlight the natural characteristics of the grains, and fruity, floral, and acidic flavors may become more pronounced.
It is common in drip coffee, especially among people who enjoy exploring the finer details of the crop.
Medium roast
It offers a balance between the characteristics of the grain and the flavors resulting from roasting.
It may also contain caramel, chocolate and nut flavors, with a balanced sweetness and acidity.
It can be a suitable option for beginners.
dark roast
It tends to highlight strong flavors such as dark chocolate, spices, and roasted flavors.
It may suit people who prefer coffee with a strong character, but it may hide some of the crop's natural properties.
The difference between single-source coffee and blends
When exploring specialty coffee varieties , you will find products that come from a single source and others that are blends.
Single-source coffee
It comes from a specific crop or region, and allows you to identify the distinctive characteristics of that source.
It is suitable for tasting sessions and for people who like to compare different crops.
Coffee blends
It combines more than one type of coffee in order to achieve a specific and balanced flavor.
The blends may be suitable for everyday use, especially in espresso and milk-based drinks.
Choosing specialty coffee according to taste
There is no single type of coffee that can be considered best for everyone. The choice of coffee depends on your preferences.
If you like fruity and floral flavors, you can try some Ethiopian or Kenyan crops.
If you prefer chocolate, nuts, and caramel, some Brazilian or Colombian crops might suit you.
If you are looking for balance, you can try Colombian coffee or some blends designed for everyday use.
When comparing specialty coffees , try reading the tasting notes on the packaging instead of relying solely on the country name.
The best types of specialty coffee for drip coffee
Distillation methods such as V60, Chemex and Kalita Wave are suitable for showcasing the details of coffee.
Light or medium roasting can be tried with these methods, especially for crops that have a fruity or floral flavor.
Some options you can try include:
- Ethiopian coffee is for lovers of fruits and flowers.
- Colombian coffee for those seeking balance.
- Kenyan coffee is for those who prefer acidity and fruity flavors.
- Brazilian coffee for those who love chocolate and nuts.
There is no rule that prohibits the use of any type of coffee with distillation; the most important thing is to experiment with the crop and adjust the recipe to suit its characteristics.
The best types of specialty coffee for espresso
A wide variety of crops and blends can be used to prepare espresso.
Some people often prefer mixtures that offer good body and clear sweetness, especially when preparing cappuccinos and lattes.
Single-source crops can also be used to obtain more complex espresso and discover crop characteristics.
When choosing specialty coffees for espresso, pay attention to the degree of roasting and how well the coffee is suited to the espresso machine and grinder being used.
Is the most expensive coffee the best?
Price is not an absolute measure of quality.
Some crops may be expensive due to their scarcity, production methods, or processing, but that does not necessarily mean they will suit your taste.
Therefore, when choosing specialty coffees , focus on the quality of the beans, product information, degree of roasting, and processing method, then compare that to your personal preferences.
How to choose the right coffee for beginners?
If you are new to specialty coffee, don't start by buying a large number of varieties.
You can choose three different crops, such as:
- An Ethiopian fruit crop.
- A balanced Colombian crop.
- A Brazilian crop with a chocolate and nut flavor.
Prepare it in the same way as possible, then record your observations about sweetness, acidity, body, and aroma.
This method will help you discover the differences between crops and learn which flavors you prefer.
How does the preparation method affect the taste of coffee?
Even the best coffee beans can give a different result when the brewing method is changed.
Distillation usually brings out the distinctness of the flavors, while espresso gives a more concentrated drink and a denser texture.
A French press may produce a cup with a more defined body, while a cold brew offers a smoother experience in some recipes.
Therefore, when experimenting with specialty coffees , it is helpful to prepare the same crop in more than one way and compare the results.
Importance of grinding degree
The degree of grinding affects the speed of water flow and the degree of extraction.
A fine grind is suitable for methods such as espresso, while drip methods usually require a medium grind depending on the tool and the recipe.
French Press, however, often requires a coarser grind.
If the taste is acidic and weak, you may need a slightly finer grind. If it is bitter and dry, you may need a coarser grind.
The role of Drip On Roastery in discovering specialty coffee
When researching specialty coffees , dealing with a roastery that is careful to explain the source of the coffee and its characteristics helps in making a better decision.
Drip On Roastery offers a variety of specialty coffee options, giving coffee lovers the opportunity to experience different crops, roasting degrees, and flavor characteristics.
It is best not to be satisfied with just one type, but to try several crops and record your observations until you reach the flavors that suit your taste and method of preparation.
Tips for buying specialty coffee
There are some mistakes that can affect the coffee experience, including:
- Choosing coffee beans based solely on price.
- Ignore the roasting date.
- Buy a large quantity before trying the crop.
- Lack of attention to the treatment method.
- Using an unsuitable grinding setting.
- Store coffee near heat.
- Relying on one recipe for all types of coffee.
- Judging coffee based on the first experience only.
Some crops may need to have the recipe modified to achieve the best result.
Tips for getting the best experience
To enjoy a better experience with specialty coffee, follow a set of practical steps:
- Buy coffee from a reliable source.
- Choose beans with a clear roasting date.
- Store the coffee in an airtight container.
- Grind the coffee just before preparing it.
- Use good quality water.
- Clean the preparation tools regularly.
- Try crops from different sources.
- Write down your observations after each experiment.
- Change one variable at a time.
These steps will help you understand the relationship between coffee, the preparation method, and the final result.
How do you know which coffee suits you?
The best way to find the right coffee for you is through experimentation and comparison.
Don't rely solely on the opinions of others, as coffee preferences vary from person to person.
You can create a simple record for each crop that includes:
- Name of the crop.
- country of origin.
- Method of processing.
- Degree of roasting.
- Preparation method.
- Grinding degree.
- Flavor.
- Your personal assessment.
After several trials, you will notice a clear pattern in the flavors you prefer.
Specialty coffees are characterized by a wide variety of origins, flavors, processing methods, and roasting techniques, so there is no single coffee that suits everyone. The right choice depends on your personal taste and brewing method, as well as the quality of the beans and the recentness of the roast.
Start by experimenting with beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Kenya, and compare them using a consistent brewing method. Over time, you'll be able to identify your preferred flavor profile and easily choose the right coffee.
Exploring the options available at Drip On Roastery can also give you the opportunity to try different crops and discover the world of specialty coffee in a more conscious and enjoyable way.