Single Origin vs. Blends: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

If you’re trying to deepen your coffee knowledge (or just figure out what all the hype is about), understanding the difference between single origin and blends is a great place to start. These two categories tell you a lot about where your coffee comes from, how it’s roasted, and what it will taste like in your cup.

Let’s break it down:

☕ What Is Single Origin Coffee?

Definition:

Single origin coffee comes from one specific place. This could mean a single country, a region within that country, or even a single farm or cooperative. Some roasters get even more precise, offering single lot coffees — beans harvested from one plot of land during one harvest season.

At Ohio Roasting Co., our single origins rotate based on what we’re sourcing and roasting in the moment. We roast everything in-house, and once a lot of green beans runs out, it’s gone — which keeps things fresh and exciting for our regulars. We also make sure every bag is traceable, so you know exactly where your coffee came from.

Right now, you can try Papua New Guinea as a single origin espresso — a perfect example of how versatile these coffees can be.

What makes it special:

Because all the beans come from the same place, the coffee expresses the distinct characteristics of that origin — a concept known as terroir. This includes factors like:

• Altitude

• Soil composition

• Climate and rainfall

• Processing method (washed, natural, honey, etc.)

These elements affect how the coffee tastes. For example:

• Ethiopian single origins often showcase floral and citrusy notes.

• Colombian coffees tend to be balanced with chocolate and red fruit.

• Guatemalan beans may taste nutty and cocoa-rich with a smooth body.

Why it matters:

Single origin coffees offer traceability and transparency — you know exactly where the beans came from and how they were grown. They’re often roasted to highlight their unique flavors, making them ideal for black coffee drinkers or those exploring the more nuanced side of coffee.

☕ So Then, What are Blends?

Definition:

Blends combine beans from two or more origins. These could be from different regions, farms, or even continents. The goal of a blend is to create a harmonious and consistent flavor profile — one that doesn’t change drastically from batch to batch.

How they’re made:

Blends are usually created by experienced roasters who taste and test different bean combinations. Some roasters pre-blend green beans before roasting (pre-roast blending), while others roast each origin separately and combine them afterward (post-roast blending).

Our house blends are designed to be reliable, multipurpose, and smooth, whether you’re ordering espresso, drip, or a flavored latte.

We offer two year-round blends that we roast ourselves:

• Interstate 77 – Our house medium roast, used for all espresso and drip coffee. Balanced and approachable, it’s our go-to for just about everything.

• Great Lakes – The same blend as Interstate 77, but roasted darker for fans of a bold, richer profile.

These blends are a staple on our bar and in our bags — perfect for customers who want a consistent cup they can count on, day after day.

Why it matters:
Blends are made for balance. By combining different beans, roasters can:

• Smooth out acidity

• Increase body or sweetness

• Create a reliable flavor for espresso or drip

Blends are often what you’ll find in house coffees or espresso drinks — especially when you want something mellow, rich, and approachable.

 So, What’s the Difference?

☕ Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on what kind of coffee drinker you are:

• Curious sipper? Try single origin! You’ll explore new tasting notes and experience the range of what coffee can be.

• Daily drinker? A blend might suit you better. It’s smooth, consistent, and works great across all brewing methods.

• Espresso lover? Blends often make for creamier, more balanced espresso shots, while single origins can highlight brightness and complexity.

• Pour-over fan? Single origins shine in slower brew methods, where you can taste all the subtle notes.

Final Sip: Why It Matters

Understanding where your coffee comes from helps you connect more deeply with the drink in your cup. Whether you’re chasing flavor notes like peach and jasmine, or just want a cozy, chocolatey brew that hits every time — knowing the difference between single origin and blends lets you choose your brew with confidence.