Is there a "best" coffee variety?

The search for the 'best' coffee variety is a journey that often leads to the realization that coffee is as diverse as wine. Varieties, or cultivars, are the different types of the Coffea arabica species, each with its own genetic potential for flavor, acidity, and body. For example, the Geisha variety is world-renowned for its floral, tea-like complexity and high auction prices, while the Bourbon variety is beloved for its classic, balanced sweetness and creamy mouthfeel.

However, a variety's potential is only half the story. The environment in which it is grown—the terroir—plays an equally significant role. A high-quality variety grown in poor soil or at the wrong altitude will never reach its full potential. Conversely, a common variety grown in ideal conditions by a skilled farmer can produce a cup that rivals the most prestigious cultivars. This is why the specialty coffee industry focuses so heavily on the relationship between the farmer, the variety, and the land.

For the reader, this means you should not feel pressured to chase the 'highest-rated' variety. Instead, use variety names as a guide to your own preferences. If you find that you consistently enjoy the bright, citrusy notes of an Ethiopian heirloom variety, you can look for similar profiles. If you prefer the chocolatey, nutty notes of a Brazilian Catuai, you can seek those out. The diversity of coffee varieties is an invitation to explore, not a hierarchy to climb.

In practice, the best way to find your favorite is to keep an open mind and taste widely. Specialty coffee roasters often list the variety on the bag, which is a great starting point for learning what you like. By paying attention to these details, you can move from simply drinking coffee to actively curating your own personal taste profile, discovering that the 'best' coffee is the one that brings you the most joy.