Rows of coffee packages line the shelves at every store.
You love coffee—but have you ever found yourself wondering which one to choose?
The truth is, once you learn a few simple tips, finding delicious coffee is actually easy!
That’s because coffee is a matter of personal taste—“delicious” simply means it matches your own preferences.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to help even beginners find their perfect cup.
With these tips, you’re sure to discover your best coffee from among the countless varieties around the world.
Step 1: How to Choose Your Coffee Flavor
First, start by choosing the coffee’s origin based on the flavor profile you like!
Some coffees are blends of beans from multiple regions, so it’s perfectly fine to just remember which countries produce the flavors you enjoy most.
If You Love Sweet Coffee
Those who enjoy sweet coffee should try beans from Brazil, El Salvador, or Guatemala.
- Brazil – Smooth and mild, offering nutty and milk-chocolate sweetness with gentle acidity for easy drinking.
- El Salvador – Balanced and medium-bodied, with honey-like sweetness.
- Guatemala – Notes of chocolate and toffee bring mellow richness and a rounded finish.
If You Love Bitter Coffee
Fans of deep, rich bitterness will appreciate beans from Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.
- Indonesia – Bold and spicy, with powerful bitterness and a full-bodied flavor.
- India – Distinct yet smooth, featuring mellow bitterness and a dense mouthfeel.
- Vietnam – Intensely strong and bitter, perfect for espresso or instant coffee lovers.
If You Love Bright, Tangy Coffee
For those who prefer lively acidity, explore beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Costa Rica.
- Ethiopia – Floral and bright, with lemon-like citrus and delicate fruit tones.
- Kenya – Juicy and wine-like, bursting with vibrant acidity and a crisp finish.
- Costa Rica – Refined and citrusy, with hints of orange and green apple.
If You Love Aromatic Coffee
Coffee drinkers drawn to beautiful aroma should look for beans from Hawaii (U.S.), Panama, or Colombia.
- Hawaii – Elegant notes of honey and vanilla, perfectly balancing richness and freshness.
- Panama – Exceptionally fragrant and floral, with luxurious clarity.
- Colombia – Well-rounded aroma of caramel, orange, and hazelnut.
Step 2: How to Choose the Right Roast Level
Next, get to know the characteristics of each roast level and narrow down your preferences!
Each roast level often pairs naturally with certain flavor profiles, so it’s enough to check which combinations you enjoy most.
- Light Roast – Fruity and delicate, with a bright and lively acidity. Pairs well with coffees that are aromatic or have a tangy flavor.
- Medium Roast – Well-balanced with both sweetness and acidity. Works nicely with sweet or aromatic coffees.
- Dark Roast – Bold, rich, and full-bodied with strong bitterness. Matches perfectly with sweet or bitter coffees.
Once you understand which roast complements your preferred flavor, you’ll be much closer to finding your ideal taste.
Step 3: How to Choose the Coffee Processing Method
This part is a little more advanced, but if you want to explore deeper, choosing the processing method can bring you even closer to your ideal coffee flavor.
There are mainly two types of processing methods, and the most common one is called the Washed Process.
Washed Process
In this method, freshly harvested coffee cherries (the fruit) are washed in water to remove the pulp. The beans are then fermented, washed again, and finally dried.
This produces a clean, crisp cup with a refreshing aftertaste and minimal bitterness.
It pairs well with bitter or bright, acidic coffees.
Approximately 50–60% of the world’s coffee is processed using this method.
Natural Process
In the natural method, coffee cherries are sun-dried with the fruit still attached. Once fully dried, the skin and pulp are removed.
The sweetness and aroma of the fruit are absorbed into the beans, resulting in a rich, fruity, and full-bodied flavor with pronounced sweetness.
It pairs well with sweet and aromatic coffees.
About 30% of the world’s coffee is produced using this process.
Step 4: How to Choose the Right Coffee Grind Size
Once you start paying attention to grind size, you’re stepping into the realm of professionals!
Coffee grounds are generally divided into five levels of coarseness, each producing a distinct flavor and mouthfeel.
- Coarse Grind – Mild and smooth with gentle bitterness. Pairs well with bright or acidic coffees.
- Medium-Coarse Grind – Clean and well-balanced flavor. Works nicely with sweet or aromatic coffees.
- Medium Grind – The most common and versatile grind, offering a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.
- Medium-Fine Grind – Slightly stronger body and aroma, with deeper bitterness. Matches sweet or bitter coffees.
- Fine Grind – Rich, intense, and full-bodied with pronounced bitterness. Pairs best with bitter coffees.
Most coffees sold on the market are pre-ground to a medium grind, which suits most brewing methods.
If you buy whole beans and grind them yourself, you can truly enjoy the subtle differences in grind size—and discover the one that best matches your personal taste.
Step 5: Find the Freshest Coffee for the Best Flavor
The last step is simple—but freshness is one of the most important factors that determine how your coffee tastes.
Once roasted, coffee beans gradually lose their flavor over time, so it’s best to choose the freshest beans possible.
Here are a few key tips:
- Choose beans with a recent roast date.
- Grind the beans just before brewing.
- Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Finish the coffee within two weeks after opening.
Combine these five steps to discover your perfect cup of coffee!
With these five steps, you’ll be able to find the perfect coffee that’s just right for you.
As a summary, let us share how Waikiki Coffee applies these steps in our own way.
At Waikiki Coffee, we aim for a tropical sweetness and fruity flavor that capture the essence of Hawaii.
- Step 1: Aromatic coffees like those from Hawaii and Colombia, and sweet coffees like those from Brazil.
- Step 2: We use a medium roast, which pairs beautifully with sweet and aromatic coffees.
- Step 3: Our beans are processed using the natural process, which enhances sweetness and aroma.
- Step 4: We choose a medium-coarse grind, also ideal for sweet and aromatic profiles.
- Step 5: We maintain small-batch production and use nitrogen sealing to preserve maximum freshness.
In this way, we’ve created the perfect blend for those who love sweet and fragrant coffee with a Hawaiian touch.
We hope you’ll also find your own best cup of coffee and enjoy discovering what makes it truly yours.