A cup of coffee isn't just a beverage, it's an experience that can lift your mood and your day, with a memorable array of flavors and aromas. However, with a wide variety of options available, how do you find the cup that perfectly suits your palate? Whether you're a seasoned java lover or a newbie stepping into the enchanting world of coffee, here are some key factors that will help ensure you end up with a cup that’s meant just for you. 

Unveiling the perfect cup a journey to finding your ideal coffee blend

Check the origin 

The source of your coffee beans plays a pivotal role in shaping their distinct flavor profile. For example, Hawaiian coffees are cultivated in unique island conditions that give this range of coffee beans exceptional characteristics in terms of flavor, aroma and aftertaste. Kona coffee in particular, is grown on the volcanic slopes of Hawaii's Big Island and is celebrated for its smoothness and vibrant flavor. 

Understand flavor notes 

Coffee is a complex beverage which will lead you to unraveling a myriad of hidden flavors with every sip. The ‘flavor notes’ that you experience could range from fruit to citrus and floral or nuts and spice to chocolate and caramel. Knowing the flavor profile of a coffee will help you dig deeper and make the right choice even in a crowd of variants. 

Choose your roast 

The roasting process triggers chemical reactions within the beans, which brings out the unique flavor and aroma of every coffee. The process of roasting differs in its level of intensity which in turn, impacts the final flavor profile of the coffee. Light roasts will have the most caffeine and acidity. Medium roasts are balanced variants which offer you a coffee with more body and less acidity. Dark roasts have the least acidity and bring out the full flavor characteristics of the coffee. 

Choose higher grades

No two coffees will ever be the same. When it comes to one of the world’s most delectable coffees like Kona Coffee, you’ll find that the coffee comes in a variety of grades. *Extra Fancy (highest grade) *Fancy (high grade) *Kona #1 (mid-grade) *Prime (lowest grade and yet superior to most coffees). These Kona coffees are categorized as Type 1 coffees. Kona Coffee also has a Type II category. The lowest member of this category is Peaberry Prime and the highest variant is Peaberry #1. Choose Peaberry coffees if you desire to savor the best of the best. 

Check the packaging 

If you’re looking for an authentic gourmet coffee to delight your taste buds, it would be advisable to read the label before you make a purchase. For instance, there are a plethora of ‘Kona Blends’ available in the market which will give a taste that’s nowhere close to the original. This is because ‘Kona blends’ have low quality beans comprising up to 90% of the coffee composition. It’s only when a label says ‘100% Pure Kona Coffee’ that you can be sure of getting the right coffee into your cup. 

Pick ethical and sustainable 

When choosing your coffee, consider brands that prioritize fair wages for coffee farmers and are responsible towards environmental conservation.

Elevate your coffee moments with Social Brew

We’re Social Brew – an ecommerce platform you can rely on to source some of the world’s most exotic coffees, including Kona Coffee. Browse through our fine range which includes 100% Kona Coffee, 100% Waialua Single Origin Coffee, Hawaiian Blend Coffee and even Decaf Brazil Coffee. If you want to savor the world-beating flavor of Kona Coffee, try our 100% Kona Coffee Single Origin. This mild Arabica coffee will deliver a distinct semi-sweet flavor combined with a rich and prominent aroma to give you the full and true experience of Pure Kona Coffee.