Here’s What You Need to Know About Coffee, Beans, and Their Types

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, yet few people think about what actually goes into their cups. The difference between a bright, citrusy brew and a bold, chocolatey one isn’t just about the beans—it’s about where they’re grown, how they’re roasted, and how they’re brewed. If you’ve ever wondered why some types of coffees taste naturally sweet while others have a bitter edge, the answer isn’t as simple as “light vs. dark roast.” Factors like altitude, processing methods, and even the water you use all play a role. And then there’s the brewing method, which can completely transform a coffee’s profile—pour-over and espresso, for example, can make the same beans taste like two different drinks.

The Four Main Types of Coffee Beans

Here’s a closer look at the four main types of coffee beans and what makes each one unique.

Arabica

If you’ve had a great cup of coffee, chances are it came from Arabica beans. They make up about 60% of the world’s coffee production and are loved for their smooth, mild flavor with hints of chocolate, fruit, or nuts. Because they’re grown at high altitudes, they take longer to develop which results in more complex flavors. But they’re also a bit high-maintenance—prone to disease and needing just the right climate, which is why they tend to be more expensive.

Robusta

Robusta beans are all about intensity. They have nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica and a deep, earthy taste with a slightly bitter edge. If you love espresso, you’ve had Robusta—it’s often blended in to create that thick, golden crema on top. These beans are tough and thrive in harsher conditions, which makes them more affordable and widely available.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a flavor profile that’s anything but ordinary—smoky, floral, with a touch of fruit. They’re grown mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa, and because they’re not as common as Arabica or Robusta, they’re often used in specialty blends rather than sold on their own. If you ever get a chance to try a single-origin Liberica, take it—it’s a completely different coffee experience.

Excelsa

Excelsa beans are the wildcard of the coffee world. They have a bright, fruity acidity that adds depth to blends, balancing out heavier, darker flavors. While they’re not as mainstream as Arabica or Robusta, those who love Excelsa swear by its complexity—it’s like the perfect in-between of light and dark roast characteristics.

Different Types of Coffee and How They’re Made

Below you will find different types of coffee and how they’re crafted

Espresso is where it all starts. It’s a small but mighty shot of coffee, made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. Get it right, and you’ll get a rich, balanced shot with a thick crema on top. It’s also the foundation for classics like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

Americano

An Americano is basically an espresso with hot water added. It has a similar strength to regular drip coffee but keeps that smooth espresso flavor. If straight espresso feels too intense but you still want something bold, this is a great middle ground.

Cappuccino & Latte

Cappuccinos and lattes both start with espresso but differ in how much milk they use. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam which makes it thick and creamy. A latte has more milk and less foam which gives it a smoother, milder taste. It all depends on how much milk you like in your coffee.

A macchiato is an espresso with just a dollop of milk, letting the coffee flavor shine through. A mocha, on the other hand, is a latte’s dessert-loving cousin—it adds chocolate to the mix which makes it a rich, indulgent treat.

Cold brew and iced coffee might look similar, but they taste completely different. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours which results in a smooth, naturally sweet coffee with low acidity. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then chilled, which keeps more of the traditional coffee flavors but with a sharper, slightly more bitter edge.

Nitro Coffee

Nitro coffee takes cold brew and infuses it with nitrogen gas, creating a creamy, smooth texture that almost feels like a stout beer. It’s served on tap, has a naturally sweet taste, and doesn’t need sugar or cream to be delicious.

Coffee Roasts: How Roasting Affects Flavor

The roasting process is where coffee beans truly come to life, with each roast level unlocking distinct flavors, aromas, and characteristics. Here’s how light, medium, and dark roasts shape your coffee experience.

Light Roast

Light roasts preserve the natural flavors of the bean, often bringing out floral, fruity, or tea-like notes. If you love coffee with a crisp, complex taste, light roast is where it’s at.

Medium Roast

Medium roast strikes a balance—it keeps some of the original bean flavors while adding caramelized sweetness. This is what most people think of as a classic, well-rounded coffee.

Dark Roast

Dark roasted beans develop deep, rich flavors with hints of caramel, chocolate, and smoke. The longer roast time lowers acidity and makes them a favorite for espresso and strong brews.

Brewing Methods

Here’s a look at some popular brewing methods and what makes each one unique.

Drip Coffee Maker

Drip coffee makers are the go-to for a quick and consistent cup. They use a filter to brew coffee slowly which creates a smooth and familiar taste.

French Press

A French press uses a metal filter which keeps more of the coffee’s natural oils and gives it a deep, full-bodied flavor. If you like a strong, textured coffee, this method is for you.

Espresso Machine

An espresso machine extracts a small, concentrated shot with just the right balance of flavor and crema. It takes practice, but once you get it right, there’s nothing better.

Pour-Over (V60, Chemex)

Pour-over brewing lets you control the extraction process, highlighting delicate, complex flavors. If you enjoy a lighter, more nuanced cup, this is the way to go.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is like a mix between espresso and drip coffee. It uses air pressure to brew a strong but smooth cup in under a minute. It’s great for traveling and experimenting with different styles.

Cold Brew

Cold brew takes patience—you steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12+ hours. But the result is A naturally sweet, mellow coffee that’s perfect over ice.

Whole Beans vs. Pre-Ground Coffee: What’s the Difference?

The choice between whole beans and pre-ground coffee can shape your coffee experience in subtle but significant ways.

Why Whole Beans Win for Freshness

If you want the freshest, most flavorful coffee, whole beans are the way to go. Once coffee is ground, it starts losing its natural oils and aromas fast. Grinding your beans right before brewing ensures you get the best flavors.

The Convenience of Pre-Ground Coffee

Pre-ground coffee is great if you want to skip the grinder and get straight to brewing. But it does lose its freshness faster, so if you’re after bold flavors, whole beans are your best bet.