Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Apart from the traditional cup of coffee, nowadays, there are hundreds of coffee products, coffee drinks (hot or cold), the famous gourmet coffee and the traditional roasted coffee, as well as organic coffee and many more. Coffee is cultivated in many altitudes and regions around the world, and its characteristics change from area to area. Coffee is popular all around the world, and Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and even Vietnam, are famous for great coffee plantations and brands.
So where does the world’s best coffee come from? Although the best is down to the individual palette, some countries are certainly renowned for the flavour of their beans. You may beg to differ, but we believe the world’s best coffee comes from Latin America. Here is a brief coffee review on a country by country basis.
Brazil
The largest country in South America is the world’s biggest coffee producer, contributing up to 35% of the world’s coffee. No surprise then that its commercial coffee industry is somewhat frowned upon by true coffee connoisseurs, who shy away from coffee largely produced for price and market share. That being said, there is no shortage of blends and beans that transcend such criticism with typical Brazilian pride. Brazil Bourbon Santos gets particularly glowing reviews. Aromatic, with just the right balance of bitter acids and dark body, this brew will delight the secret South American romantic in all of us.
Colombia
Second to Brazil, Colombia produces around 12% of the world’s coffee, and is known for its overall quality. Different regions produce a variety of different blends and tastes. Medellin, named after the city it is marketed through, has a heavy body and rich flavour. Bogota is less acidy, but just as flavourful. Colombian coffee is known for its soft terroir, a French word used to describe the fortunate natural conditions that impact the taste of something like wine, or coffee. Light on the palate but with full flavour, it remains a global favourite. The Ramon Valdez is a serious contender for the title ‘the best coffee in the world.’
Costa Rica
Gourmet Costa Rican coffee has heart and a robust flavour. It’s full bodied with a taste that blankets your taste buds. It stands atop the outstanding coffee produced by other Central American countries like El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua, but remains distinctive from Guatemala to the north.
Cuba
You tend to name Cuba and Cuban cigars in the same breath, but the country is not far behind in production of some of the strongest and best coffee in the world. You can sip down a Cuban coffee cup and feel the kick you get from drinking whiskey. Drink more than a few cups and you’ll have hard time sleeping that night.
Guatemala
Guatemalan coffee is distinctive, known for its spicier or smokier flavour, adding a nice compliment to its natural increase in acidity. Grown in the central highlands, the highest grade coffees come from the highest altitudes, above 4500ft.
Mexico
Mexico is one of the major coffee producers, and while it offers a wide variety of beans and tastes, it is known for producing a moderate acidity and slight tang. As with most of the coffee producing nations, fair trade has become a vital movement here to ensure farmers get paid a fair price for their product.
Nicaragua
The pungent and full body cup of coffee will make your day. The coffee from Nicaragua will entice your mind and temp you to have another cup.
Panama
One of the most under-rated and overlooked coffee, Panamanian coffee gives each cup a new character. Panamanian coffee has brightly toned, aromatic, fruity flavours. The flavours are long lasting, making Panamanian coffee, one of the best coffees in the world.
Worldwide
Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, and Malaysia are not far behind in brewing the best coffee in the world (particularly Ethiopia), and are held in high regard by coffee lovers and connoisseurs.
If one were to look into the SCAA’s history they would see that Panamanian coffee has a rich history of winning cuppings. It is believed that the SCAA changed their cupping competition in (I think) 2003 because Panamanian coffee was winning up to 5 of 10 top spots. Look at how Esmeralda Geisha has fared – #1 in 2005, 2006, 2007 and #2 in 2008 and 2009.
Now I realize everyone has their own tastes. Some like what they grew up with because it ties to memories and they have acquired the taste. But if you want to try a top gourmet (or what the industry calls a specialty coffee) coffee, then coffee from Panama should be on top of your list.
The Best Coffee in the World is grown in Paraiso Costa Rica. The company that sells it is Cafe Cristina. Everyone that has ever tried this coffee tells me that it is the best that they ever tasted. I tried it in Costa Rica in September of 2008.
I would have to agree with Ted above. However, it does come down to what your palate likes as Dean has stated. Though he should try Esmeralda Geisha.
C’mon, everyone knows Sanka is #1 !
OK maybe Triangulo de Oro edges it by a bit.
pura Vida !