Decoding coffee terms
A varietal from the Metu Bishari selections made in the forests of the Illubabor Zone in western Ethiopia in 1974. The Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) selected it (alongside a few others)for its resistance to coffee berry disease.
An Ethiopian Heirloom subvariety developed and catalogued by the Jimma Agricultural Research Centre (JARC).
Grown amongst the Fuego the Acatenango volcanoes, the Acatenango valley is a high altitude growing region with rich volcanic soil
We're adding details for Aceh, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra -- check back soon
Mix things up with a different approach
The simplest possible way to make coffee
This is how Sample Coffee's founder brews AeroPress at home
Antigua is a region defined by rich volcanic soil, low rainfall and lots of sunshine. It is situated in the shadow of Fuego, one of Guatemala's three active volcanoes
The region where coffee was first introduced to Colombia and where the FNC originated. It has the largest growing area by hectare of all Colombian growing regions
The largest producing region of El Salvador and likely the area where coffee was first cultivated in the country
This is a new varietal! We'll add more details here soon.
Ateng is a commonly used name that describes [Catimor](https://samplecoffee.com.au/coffee/varietals/catimor) varieties planted on Sumatra and other Indonesian islands.
Batian is the latest variety to be developed in Kenya, it is named after the peak of Mount Kenya
An [Ethiopian Heirloom](/coffee/varietals/ethiopian-heirloom) or landrace varietal, endemic to the Bale area.
Historically, Bolivia has not been as popular as its neighbouring countries in terms of exports, but coffee has been present since the 19th century.
A name sometimes used in Indonesia to commonly refer to the [Timor Hybrid](https://samplecoffee.com.au/coffee/varietals/timor) varietal.
A natural mutation of the [Typica](/coffee/varietals/typica) varietal, Bourbon is named after Reunion Island (then known as _Il Bourbon_) where the French cultivated the Typica plants which naturally mutated.
Brasil is the largest coffee-producing nation in the world. It is also known as a country out of which countless new varietals have emerged, both through natural mutations and selective breeding
Coffee first arrived in Burundi in the 1920s while the country was still under Belgian colonial rule. Since the civil war in 1993 Burundi has placed a great importance on growing the coffee industry and the flow on effects that will have on the country's economy.
The region is named after it's capital city, Cajamarca. Comprises the northern area of Peru and the Peruvian Andes
Make tea with part of the coffee cherries
Castillo is named after the researcher Jamie Castillo, who helped develop the varietal in 2005 by Cenicafe, Colombia's coffee research centre
A hybrid variety of the [Caturra](/coffee/varietals/caturra/) and the [Timor Hybrid](/coffee/varietals/timor/) (resistant to coffee leaf rust due to its Robusta genetic roots).
Catimor and Sarchimor are examples of introgressed species. Plants which possess traits and genetics from multiple species (arabica and robusta genetic material)
Created by the Instituto Agronomico do Campinas in Brasil, Catuai is a hybrid varietal between Caturra and Mundo Novo.
Caturra is a natural mutation of [Bourbon](/coffee/varietals/bourbon) that was originally discovered in [Brazil](/coffee/countries/brasil) in 1937, considered to be the first naturally occurring mutation ever discovered.
Attractive growing conditions afforded by its altitude, proximity to the equator and the protection afforded by surrounding mountains, enabling a stable microclimate year round. Cauca is a region also known for its World Heritage listed national parks, wildlife, and life-giving water sources
Brew pour-over coffee for one or a crowd
Chiroso is most likely a mutation of the [Caturra](/coffee/varietals/caturra) variety, which historically has been planted around Urrao in [Colombia](/coffee/countries/colombia).
The easiest and most forgiving coffee brewing method
Play with a cold water bloom to bring out different flavours
Colombia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world and benefits greatly from having one of the most unique and complex set of micro-climates of all coffee producing nations.
Discovered in Inza, Cauca (Colombia), when a coffee tree was found to look very different from the typical coffee grown in the region, it presents strong similarities to the [Bourbon Aruzi](https://samplecoffee.com.au/coffee/varietals/bourbon-aruzi) but it's still being researched.
Western Honduras on the border with Guatemala. Shares very similar growing conditions to coffees from Guatemala. The northern tract of the Santa Barbara region is within Copán
Since the mid-2000s there has been an increasing focus on the establishment of micro-mills in Costa Rica to increase their production of traceable, high quality lots of coffee.
Cupping is how we taste coffee at the roastery and you can do it at home, too!
For a long time most of Ecuador’s coffee production was for commodity grade export or the production of soluble coffees (freeze dried coffee). Only in the last few years has the potential of the country’s coffee production been really explored. We're very excited about the potential Ecuador and have some truly exceptional coffees
South-West coastal region boasting all the conditions required to grow great coffee - altitude, climate, rainfall
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, is colloquially referred to as the 'Land of Volcanoes'. Renowned for producing exceptional coffees with great clarity and sweetness. The coffee industry first took off after their primary crop, indigo, declined with the invention of chemical dyes in the 19th Century.
Named after the town of Embu, also near Mount Kenya and its fertile growing conditions
How to make espresso at home, using our blends or decaf
How to make a delicious single origin espresso at home
Brazil's second largest coffee producing region
Seen as the birthplace of domesticated coffee, there are not many more exciting times at the Sample warehouse as when our fresh Ethiopian lots arrive. Legend says it's our favourite origin...
Heirloom (or sometimes Landrace) is an umbrella term that refers to all the coffee varietals endemic to Ethiopia.
It’s hiding in a cupboard and it’ll make delicious, stress-free coffee!
An exceptionally high quality variety that has grown in popularity, Gesha is named after the town of Gesha in [Ethiopia](/coffee/countries/ethiopia) where the seeds originated.
Central region containing one of two state-owned dry mills and the central laboratories that tests the quality of all coffees to be exported
Guatemala's production of coffee first grew in the 1860s on the back of a declining indigo trade, which had previously existed as it's main export. Up until 2011 Guatemala was in the top 5 highest producing coffees nations in the world, before being overtaken by Honduras.
The essential pour-over method
One of the oldest producing regions producing some of the most unique flavour profiles. A region that has produced coffees that really opened the eyes of many coffee roasters, us included, to the potential and true complexity that coffee can offer
The largest producer of coffee in Central America and one of our favourite coffee producing nations, capable of producing fruit driven coffees with a great, vibrant acidity.
Simple strategies to increase the lifespan of your beans
A non-volcanic region of Guatemala characterised by high altitude and predictable climate. Often considered to produce the highest quality coffee in Guatemala
This region boasts the perfect combination of high quality soil and geography and is quickly becoming one of the largest coffee producing regions in Colombia. One of the best regarded regions for high quality, fruit driven coffee.
Developed in the 90s by the Honduras Coffee Research Institute, IHCAFE 90 is a hybrid of Caturra and Sarchimor
We're still adding details for Indonesia -- check back soon
The varieties known as Jackson, Kent, Coorg, and Mysore—all originating from the same region in India—are most likely late descendant of the first coffee seeds out of Yemen brought to India by Baba Budan in 1670. Recent genetic tests have confirmed that Jackson is related to the Bourbon genetic group.
The Java varietal has lineage from [Ethiopian Heirloom](/coffee/varietals/ethiopian-heirloom) varietal – selected and transplanted to Cameroon in the mid-20th century; then introduced to [Costa Rica](/coffee/countries/costa-rica) in 1991.
Region in the southwest that traditionally only produced commodity grade coffee. With increased exposure and education the truly great potential of this area is beginning to be realised. Can also be referred to as ‘Jimmah’, ‘Jimma’, and ‘Djimmah’
The primary coffee producing region of Nicaragua, it is named after the capital city of the region
The region is in the central highlands of Peru, which is also the western-most tip of the Peruvian Amazon
The most forgiving pour-over method
Northern region near the Rwandan border
Alongside Ethiopia and Colombia, Kenya is one of the origins we get most excited about at the roastery. It exports some of the most vibrant, bright, and unique coffees in the world.
This region is located east of [Nyeri](/coffee/countries/kenya/regions/nyeri), and has similarly rich volcanic soils and a high percentage of smallholder producers.
An Ethiopian sub-varietal that falls under the umbrella of [Heirloom](https://samplecoffee.com.au/coffee/varietals/ethiopian-heirloom)/landrace category, called as such in the Yirgacheffe area but referred to as Kudhum in Guji.
Mountainous southern region with conditions suited perfectly to high quality coffee production
Maragogype is a natural mutation of Typica, named after the town in which it was discovered -- Maragogipe, Brazil.
Marsellesa was developed through a hybrid of Sarchimor and Caturra. It's highly valued for its high quality in the cup and resistance to leaf rust (thanks to its Sarchimor heritage)
The region is named after the capital city, with coffee coming from both private estates and cooperatives
While Mexico is in the top 10 coffee-producing countries, its most commonly associated with commodity coffee used in lower-grade blends. Thankfully this is changing as more smaller producers show what's possible with quality-focused picking and processing.
The largest coffee producing region of Brazil, accounting for over half of the total coffee production within Brazil - it is often broken down into a number of sub-regions. These subregions include Sul de Minas, Matas de Minas, Carmo de Minas, and Cerrado Mineiro.
The simplest way to batch brew hot filter coffee
East of Nyeri, also with rich volcanic soils and a high percentage of smallholder producers
One of the highest growing regions in Colombia, producing some truly complex coffees
The true potential of Nicaraguan coffee has been hindered by a long history of political instability and natural disaster, however successful programs such as the Cup of Excellence competition and the Nicaraguan Specialty Coffee Association have helped drive the potential of Nicaraguan coffee into real quality production
Lower altitude to the Western and Southern region
Central region home to Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano that produces rich, red soil. Most commonly smallholder cooperatives. Coffee trees in this region produce two crops (the main harvest producing the higher quality lots)
A cross between Timor Hybrid and Villa Sarchi, this coffee was originally developed in Brazil and in 2014 was introduced into Costa Rica by the local coffee institute, ICAFE
Southern part of Santa Barbara falls within this region. The area is named after the Opalaca mountain range
A cross-breed between Pacas and Maragogype, developed in El Salvador in 1958
A natural mutation of the Bourbon variety
Pache is a natural mutation of Typica, originally discovered in Guatemala in farms of El Brito, Santa Cruz Naranjo and Santa Rosa.
Panama is one of the most revered coffee origins in the industry. The high altitude farms and perfect weather conditions make for a complex and dynamic cup of coffee.
PNG is a new and exciting country for us -- stay tuned for more details
A relatively unusual hybrid created in the 1980's by IHCAFE, Honduras' national coffee research centre
Peru is well suited to coffee cultivation and production, given its high altitude and climate.
Pink Bourbon is an Ethiopian Heirloom variety (or subvariety)—though, until very recently (~2023), it was thought to be a rare and spontaneous hybrid/mutation of Red and Yellow Bourbon.
The region is named after the indigenous civilisation that existed here pre-hispanic times. The Quetzalcotitán people are named after the god they worhsip, the feather covered serpent Quezalcoat.
Located in the central "coffee belt" of Colombia along with other growing regions Caldas and Antioquia. This coffee belt represents the largest producing regions of Colombia.
When to brew your coffee for optimum flavour and acidity
Released in 1985, Ruiru 11 is a disease resistant varietal developed in Kenya
Since the genocide of 1994, coffee has come to represent a symbol of recovery and regrowth for Rwanda.
SL28 was developed in 1931 by Scott Laboratories to suit the growing conditions in Kenya. The varietal is known for its exceptional cup quality
Developed by Scott Laboratories in Kenya, the SL34 varietal was designed to be high yielding with good cup quality.
A Sarchimor (hybrid of Villa Sarchi and Timor) developed in cooperation with Finca Volcán Azul in Costa Rica. It is named after the nearby town of San Isidro
Both ‘Sidamo’ and ‘Sidama’ can be used to describe coffees from this region, Sidama refers to the locals of the area. It grows some of the highest coffees in Ethiopia
Sidra (also known as Sydra or Bourbon Sidra) is a new hybrid varietal, made of [Red Bourbon](/coffee/varietals/bourbon) and [Typica](/coffee/varietals/typica) and combines characteristics of these two varieties. It has acquired the sweetness and the body of Red Bourbon and the bright taste and acidity of Typica.
Centred around 3 main areas; the Huye mountains, the Nyamagabe region, and the Nyamasheke region in close proximity to Lake Kivu
What is coffee from Southern and Western Region in Rwanda like?
Released in 2002 as part of Colombia's efforts to combat leaf rust, it is a hybrid of [bourbon](/coffee/varietals/bourbon), [typica](/coffee/varietals/typica) and timor.
The area generally considered to produce the highest grade coffee in Costa Rica. Farmers from other regions are known to market their coffee as 'Tarrazú' due to the strength of the name
Also sometimes called 'Timor Hybrid(s)'. According to [World Coffee Research](https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/t8667), "Timor Hybrid is a natural cross between C. arabica and C. canephora (Robusta) that appeared spontaneously on the island of Timor in 1920s. Its Robusta genetics conferred rust resistance into the variety."
The word ‘Tolima’ comes from the local indigenous language and means a “river of snow or cloud”.
Considered to be one of the ‘genus’ varietals from which all other varietals have mutated from
Mejorado is a very unique variety mainly grown in Ecuador. Recent genetic testing by World Coffee Research demonstrated that Typica Mejorado is a hybrid of [Bourbon](/coffee/varietals/bourbon) and [Ethiopian Heirloom/Landrace](/coffee/varietals/ethiopian-heirloom)—it's not a descendant of the [Typica](/coffee/varietals/typica) lineage, even though it's taken the name of 'Typica Mejorado'. The cup profile is meant to have a more refined sweetness and body and a higher quality acidity compared to the regular Bourbon variety.
Also known as "Variedad Colombia", this varietal was developed by Colombian researchers at Cenicafe by crossing Caturra and Timor Hybrid
Reuben's approach to the largest V60 dripper
This is our head roaster makes a V60 at home
This is our head roaster makes a 2-cup V60 at home
Fertile region due to the river that runs through it, between Andean mountain ranges
Natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Costa Rican village Sarchi
A rare varietal in Colombia that is believed to have arrived from Ethiopia about 25 years ago from the Wush Wush village.
This variation of [Caturra](/coffee/varietals/caturra) is caused by a recessive gene and tends to ripen faster than Red Caturra, often presenting light floral flavours.
Unique for its floral and highly aromatic coffees. Some our of very favourite and memorable Ethiopian coffees have emerged from this legendary region.
The region sits east of Loja with high rates of organic production