Coffee and coffee flavor are like two best friends with unclear boundaries. They go together, they need each other, and yet they are still distinct. Coffee, in the broadest sense, has a very identifiable taste but each coffee's flavor profile is nuanced and developed at each stage of its existence, starting with coffee plant species and ending with brew method. Today, we're going to deconstruct the coffee flavor profile paradigm and in doing so, (hopefully) equip you with the knowledge needed to identify coffees that strongly exhibit the flavor characteristics you value most in your cup. First up? Bean type and terroir.
Out top 2020 posts and podcast episodes!
Need a good reason to procrastinate? Check out or top blog entries and podcast episodes of 2020. We hope you enjoy them! Our top 2020 blog post Homemade coffee ice cream recipe. This delicious recipe only takes 10 minutes to make, can be modified to your tastes, and helps you get a little shake-it-up workout... Continue Reading →
Coffee mouthfeel, body, and texture — what it all means
Body, mouthfeel, texture...we know the words and what they mean but how they relate to coffee can be obscure and muddled. Today we're going to break down these vague terms. At the most basic level, mouthfeel, also referred to as body, describes how a coffee physically feels in your mouth and on your tongue. Texture, while related, essentially describes the texture of the mouthfeel (e.g., smooth, grainy, creamy, etc.).
The Boston Tea Party, representation, and how coffee become a symbol of American patriotism
December 16th, 1773 was a cold, blistery Boston evening. By 7 pm, the sky would have been pitch black with the only light coming from the stars, candles, and the occasional lantern. The air rolling in off the Atlantic was crisp and biting as it wrapped around the Boston Harbor. On this night, sixty men dressed in Mohawk costumes boarded three ships carrying British tea and tipped, dumped, and stomped into being one history's greatest, most impactful political protests. It was also the night coffee became America's drink.
The best naturally spiced, soul-warming coffees to drink this winter
It's getting chilly outside! If you're anything like me, the cooler the outside temperature, the warmer I want to feel on the inside -- that means hearty breakfasts, more baked goods than I need, and spice. Lots and lots of mouth-tingling, soul-warming spice. From sweet cinnamon to pungent clove to fiery pepper, coffee offers an... Continue Reading →
Why brokers are so important to coffee roasters
Want to know a great secret in the coffee roasting world? Coffee brokers. Coffee brokers are vital to a thriving coffee industry -- they ensure quality control, offer a lifeline to farms, assume the purchasing risk for roasters, and share information between growers and roasters.
Don’t believe everything they told you. Debunking coffee myths and lies, part III
Myths, lies, and downright terror-inspiring tales of our favorite black magic brew have been deceiving devotees and abstainers for decades. It’s time you learn the truth. Here’s part III of our myth-busting series. Coffee exacerbates anxiety and the body's stress response. Myth! Drunk in moderation, coffee does not cause or exacerbate stress. In fact, many... Continue Reading →
Check out our top podcast episodes! Interviews, info, entertainment +
Love a good blog post and want a little more? Check out our podcast. Each main episode deep dives into topics covered on our blog and / or provides supplemental information including interviews with coffee experts. Below is a round-up of some of our most listened to episodes from 2020. Our interview with Susan Mills... Continue Reading →
A 20% off Welcome discount for our WordPress followers!
Are you one of our fabulous US readers itching to try our coffee? We have a gift! Use code WP20* on your first TheQueenBean.com order and save 20%! With over 25 arabica single origins, 20+ arabica blends, 50+ flavored coffees, and 20+ natural decafs in addition to gifts, variety packs, and single cup options, we... Continue Reading →
Coffee, cholesterol, and filters
Coffee filters are a daily feature in many of our lives and choosing the right filter can be, well, tricky. Aside from the numerous brands to select between, there are also a host of different types of coffee filters to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.