Coffee varieties – the most important coffee types simply explained

Coffee is much more than just a morning pick-me-up. It can taste fruity, chocolatey, nutty, spicy, bold, mild or earthy. Perhaps you have also wondered why some coffees are so soft and aromatic, while others seem especially intense, more bitter or higher in caffeine. The answer lies not only in the roast – but also in the different coffee varieties and coffee types.

In this article, you will get a simple, easy-to-understand overview of the most important coffee varieties.

You will learn:

• What the difference is between coffee types and coffee varieties.

• What distinguishes Arabica from Robusta.

• What makes Liberica, Excelsa and Kopi Luwak unique.

• What Single Origin and Blend coffee mean.

• Why origin, cultivation and processing are so important.

• Which coffee variety might suit your taste.

• Why quality is often more important than the variety itself.

Whether you are just starting to explore the world of coffee or already enjoy trying new beans regularly, this guide will help you understand coffee varieties better and enjoy coffee more consciously.

Coffee types and coffee varieties – what is the difference?

In everyday language, many people use the terms coffee types, coffee varieties and coffee bean varieties almost interchangeably. When someone asks, “What coffee varieties are there?”, they usually mean: what kinds of coffee beans are there – and how do they differ in flavor?

Strictly speaking, however, there is a small difference.

Coffee types

By coffee types, we mean the botanical species of the coffee plant. The two best-known coffee types are:

• Coffea arabica, usually simply called Arabica

• Coffea canephora, better known as Robusta

These two coffee types make up the majority of the global coffee market. There are also species such as Liberica.

Today, Excelsa is botanically usually classified as Coffea liberica var. dewevrei and is therefore no longer considered an independent coffee species.

Although more than 120 Coffea species are known worldwide, Arabica and Robusta are the main ones traded internationally.

They differ in appearance, growing altitude, resilience, caffeine content and, of course, flavor.

Coffee varieties

The term coffee varieties is often used more broadly. It can refer, for example, to specific varietals within a coffee species, such as different Arabica varietals. In everyday use, however, “coffee variety” often simply refers to the type of coffee, its origin, roast, or even a particular blend.

An example:

Arabica is a coffee species. Within Arabica, there are many varieties and varietals that can taste very different depending on origin, climate and processing.

For you as a coffee drinker, the most important thing is: the coffee type gives a general direction – but the final flavor depends on many other factors.

The most important coffee types and their varieties at a glance

To make it easier to find your way around, let’s take a closer look at the most important coffee types. Each one has its own character – from mild and fruity to bold, wild and unusual.

Arabica coffee

Arabica coffee is the best-known and most popular coffee type in the world. Depending on the harvest year, Arabica accounts for around 55–60% of global coffee production, while Robusta makes up roughly 40–45%. Many coffee lovers appreciate Arabica for its refined, balanced flavor.

Typical characteristics of Arabica are:

• mild, harmonious aromas

• fine acidity

• often fruity, floral or chocolatey notes

• less caffeine than Robusta

• a softer body

Arabica grows especially well at higher altitudes. There, the coffee cherries ripen more slowly, allowing more complex aromas to develop. Arabica is often considered higher quality because it can develop more complex flavor profiles. However, high-quality coffee is not automatically tied to one specific coffee type.

That does not mean that every Arabica is better than every Robusta. With Arabica too, origin, cultivation, harvesting, processing, roasting and freshness all make a major difference.

If you enjoy mild, aromatic coffee, Arabica is often an excellent choice. Coffees from African countries of origin such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya are particularly exciting. They can be especially lively, fruity and elegant.

You can find out more in our detailed article: Arabica Coffee

Feel free to try our AFRO COFFEE Dark & Elegant as well.

Robusta coffee

Robusta coffee is the second major coffee type alongside Arabica. As the name suggests, the plant is more robust. It is more resilient, grows at lower altitudes and copes better with heat and certain diseases.

In terms of flavor, Robusta is usually stronger than Arabica. Typical characteristics include:

• a more intense, fuller body

• stronger bitter and earthy flavor notes in many roasts

• earthy, nutty or spicy notes

• higher caffeine content

• stable crema in espresso

Robusta is often used in espresso blends because it adds strength, body and a lovely crema.

In the past, Robusta often had a rather poor reputation. This was mainly because a lot of cheap mass-market coffee was produced from Robusta. Today, however, there are also high-quality Robusta coffees that can taste truly exciting.

You can find out more in our detailed article: Robusta Coffee

If you enjoy bold, intense coffees, feel free to try our AFRO COFFEE Strong & Earthy.

Excelsa coffee

Excelsa coffee is a rare and unusual coffee speciality that is now generally classified as a variety or subgroup of Liberica. It makes up only a very small share of global coffee production – but it is especially fascinating in terms of flavor.

Excelsa is known for its complex aroma profile. Its flavor can be fruity, slightly acidic, spicy and sometimes almost mysterious. In blends, Excelsa is often used to add depth and a distinctive aromatic note.

Typical characteristics of Excelsa:

• rare and unusual

• fruity, spicy and complex

• lively acidity

• often used as a special component in blends

• exciting for curious coffee drinkers

Excelsa is not necessarily a classic everyday coffee. It is better suited to you if you enjoy discovering new flavor worlds and see coffee as a journey of enjoyment.

You can find out more here: Excelsa Coffee – A Rare Coffee Variety with Surprising Character

Liberica coffee

Liberica coffee is one of the rarer coffee species and is especially known for its large, unmistakably shaped beans as well as its distinctive flavor. Compared with Arabica and Robusta, Liberica plays only a small role on the global market, but it is highly valued in certain regions.

In terms of flavor, Liberica is unusual. It is often described as:

• intense

• woody

• smoky

• spicy

• sometimes floral or fruity

• somewhat wilder than classic coffees

Liberica is a coffee for explorers. If you would like to find out more about this special coffee type, you can find the relevant article here: Liberica Coffee – An Unusual Coffee Variety.

Kopi Luwak

Kopi Luwak is one of the best-known and at the same time most controversial coffees in the world. It is often described as one of the most expensive coffees. What makes it special is the way it is produced: the coffee cherries are eaten by a type of civet, the so-called luwak. The beans are later excreted, cleaned, dried and roasted.

This process is said to create certain changes in flavor. Kopi Luwak is often described as especially smooth, mild and low in bitterness.

What is important here, however, is: Kopi Luwak is ethically controversial. There are suppliers where animals are kept in poor conditions. If you are interested in this coffee, you should pay very close attention to origin, transparency and animal welfare.

Kopi Luwak is therefore not a separate botanical coffee species, but rather a special method of processing and production.

You can find out more in our article: Kopi Luwak

Arabica vs Robusta – the biggest differences

The question “What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?” is one of the most common questions about coffee varieties. No surprise: these two coffee types shape the global coffee market.

Here is a simple overview:

Arabica is not automatically “better”, and Robusta is not automatically “worse”. It depends on what you like and how the coffee was grown, processed and roasted.

So which bean is better depends strongly on many factors. If you love refined aromas and elegant acidity, you will probably lean towards Arabica. If you prefer strong espresso, lots of body and a stable crema, Robusta may be the better choice for you.

If you would like to dive deeper, you can find more here: Arabica vs Robusta

Single Origin vs Blend coffee

Besides the coffee type, you will often come across two more terms when buying coffee: Single Origin and Blend. Both say something about where the coffee comes from and how it has been composed.

What is Single Origin coffee?

Single Origin coffee comes from a clearly defined origin. This may be a particular country, region, co-operative or even a single farm.

The big advantage: you get a particularly clear and unadulterated flavor profile. The coffee expresses the typical characteristics of its origin. An Ethiopian Single Origin, for example, may taste floral and fruity, while a coffee from Brazil often shows more nutty, chocolatey and rounded notes.

Single Origin coffee is ideal if you want to consciously discover flavor differences and experience coffee in all its diversity.

What is Blend coffee?

A blend is a mixture of different coffees. This may combine coffees from different countries of origin, regions, varietals or even coffee species – for example Arabica and Robusta.

The aim of a blend is a harmonious and consistent flavor profile. Good blends are composed deliberately: one coffee adds sweetness, another body, another brings fine acidity or a particularly beautiful crema.

Blends are especially popular for espresso, as they are balanced, stable and versatile. If you enjoy drinking coffee every day and want a reliable flavor experience, a blend may be exactly the right choice for you.

If you are interested in the topic of Single Origin and Blend, you can find more information here: Single Origin & Blend Coffee.

If you would like to compare both worlds directly, you will find what you are looking for in our selection of coffee beans: characterful Single Origins such as our Dark & Elegant, as well as versatile blends such as Mild & Aromatic and Strong & Earthy. That way, you can easily discover your personal favourite.

What role do origin and cultivation play in coffee?

The coffee variety matters – but it is only part of the story. It is at least just as important where and how the coffee is grown.

Coffee is a natural product. Every bean carries a piece of its origin within it. Climate, soil, altitude, rainfall, sunshine and processing all strongly influence flavor.

Climate

Coffee plants need specific climatic conditions. Too much heat, too little water or strong temperature fluctuations can affect quality. In ideal climates, the coffee cherries ripen more evenly and develop more aroma.

Altitude

Many high-quality Arabica coffees grow at higher altitudes. There, the cherries ripen more slowly. This gives them more time to develop fine aromas. This often results in more lively, complex coffees with pleasant acidity.

Robusta, by contrast, often grows at lower altitudes and is less sensitive.

Soil

The soil also plays a major role. Volcanic soils, mineral-rich earth and good drainage can all help coffee taste particularly expressive.

Processing

After harvest, the coffee cherries are processed. Particularly well known are:

• washed processing: clear, elegant, often fruity and clean in flavor

• natural processing: sweeter, fruitier, more intense

• honey process: balanced between sweetness, fruit and clarity

Harvesting method

With high-quality coffee, ripe coffee cherries are often picked by hand. That is because only fully ripe cherries produce balanced, sweet and aromatic beans. If you would like to learn more about how harvesting affects the flavor and quality of coffee, you can find more interesting information in our blog: Harvesting Methods

Africa as a coffee origin

Africa plays a special role in the coffee world – after all, Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee. Many African coffees are known for their lively aromatics, fine fruitiness and particular depth.

Ethiopian coffees can seem floral, citrusy and tea-like, while Tanzanian coffees often show a lovely balance of fruit, spice and body. That is exactly what makes coffee from Africa so exciting.

This origin is especially important in specialty coffee. Here, not only the coffee itself but also its origin, processing and quality take centre stage.

If you would like to explore the topic more deeply, you can find more interesting information in our article “Coffee from Africa – Origin, Diversity and Sustainability”. You can also learn more about the cradle of coffee in “Coffee from Ethiopia – The Birthplace of Coffee”. And if you are interested in bold, characterful coffees, our article “Coffee from Tanzania – Bold Enjoyment from Kilimanjaro” is well worth a look.

Which coffee variety suits which taste?

The best coffee variety is the one that suits your taste. Do you prefer coffee that is mild or strong? Fruity or chocolatey? Elegant or intense?

As a simple guideline: Arabica is usually the right choice if you prefer fine, mild and aromatic coffee. It often feels softer, more complex, and depending on the roast can bring fruity, floral or sweet notes. Lighter to medium roasts in particular show these aromas beautifully.

If you prefer your coffee stronger, more intense and fuller-bodied, Robusta or a blend with a Robusta component may suit you better. These coffees bring more body, stronger aromatics and usually more caffeine.

If you would like to discover special aromas, rarer coffee types such as Excelsa or Liberica can be exciting. They taste less classic and often bring a very distinctive character. Excelsa can seem fruity, lively and slightly unusual, while Liberica is more often described as intense, spicy and striking.

Kopi Luwak is often described as smooth and mild, but due to the sometimes problematic methods of production, it should be viewed critically. Transparency and an ethically responsible origin are therefore essential — alternatively, other mild coffees with a rounded flavor profile may be a better choice.

Why quality matters more than the coffee variety alone

A high-quality Robusta can taste better than a poorly grown or overly dark-roasted Arabica. And a carefully composed blend can be more complex and balanced than an average Single Origin.

The coffee variety only gives a general direction. Good coffee depends on several factors.

Origin

Where the coffee grows influences its character. An Arabica from Ethiopia tastes different from an Arabica from Brazil or Colombia. Origin is much more than just a name on the packaging.

Processing

The way the coffee cherries are processed after harvest changes the flavor significantly. Washed coffees are often clear and elegant. Natural coffees often taste sweeter and fruitier.

Roasting

The roast determines how the flavors unfold. A light roast often emphasises fruitiness and acidity. A darker roast brings more roast notes, body and bitterness.

For espresso, beans are often roasted a little darker. For filter coffee, lighter or medium roasts are popular.

Freshness

Freshly roasted coffee usually tastes more aromatic than coffee that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. So pay attention to the roast date and store your coffee properly: airtight, dry, cool and dark.

Grind size and preparation

Even the best bean can taste flat if the grind size is not right. Water quality, dosage and brewing time also play a role.

In short: good beans are the foundation – but preparation makes the difference.

Coffee varieties overview: the most important differences at a glance

So that you can compare quickly, here is another compact overview of the main coffee types:

Kopi Luwak, on the other hand, is not a separate coffee type, but a special method of processing coffee beans.

Conclusion – which coffee variety is the best?

There is no single best coffee variety. Coffee is a matter of taste – and that is exactly what makes it so wonderful.

• Arabica is ideal if you like refined, mild and aromatic coffees.

• Robusta suits you if you love coffee that is bold, intense and high in caffeine.

• Excelsa and Liberica are exciting if you enjoy discovering new flavors.

• Kopi Luwak may be especially well known, but it should be viewed critically.

Even more important than the coffee variety alone are origin, cultivation, processing, roasting and freshness. When all of these come together, coffee with character is created – coffee that does not just wake you up, but tastes genuinely good.

And if you are still not sure which coffee suits you best, trying different options is often the best approach. By comparing different coffees directly, you will quickly find out whether you prefer mild, fruity, strong or chocolatey profiles. Our 250g coffee bean tasting set, for example, is ideal for this. If you have a capsule machine, you can also try our capsule tasting set including decaf.