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Best Coffee For Baristas 2024

April 9, 2024

Elevating Your Barista Skills: A Guide to the Best Coffee in 2024

The world of coffee is an ever-evolving landscape, where tastes and trends are constantly in flux. As a barista, the quality of coffee you choose has a profound impact on the taste and aroma of your creations, making it a crucial factor in delighting your customers. This guide aims to navigate you through the complexities of coffee selection, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve and create unforgettable experiences.

When it comes to shopping for coffee, there are several key factors to consider. From the type of beans and their origin to the roast level and sustainability practices, each element plays a role in shaping the final product. Embracing the nuances of these factors will not only enhance your understanding of coffee but also your ability to craft truly exceptional beverages.

To elevate your at-home coffee game, investing in a quality milk frother can be a game-changer. With the right tool, you can create velvety microfoam, essential for perfecting the art of latte art – a skill that requires patience and practice but pays off with visually stunning and delectable creations.

In the following sections, we will introduce you to some of the finest coffee options for baristas in 2024. From meticulously sourced beans to innovative roasting techniques, this guide will serve as your compass in the ever-expanding world of specialty coffee, empowering you to make informed decisions and consistently deliver excellence in every cup.


Blue Bottle Single Origin Subscription: Best Subscription for Coffee Aficionados

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Blue Bottle Coffee Single Origin Subscription - Fresh-Roasted Small Batc... -- $25(Blue Bottle Coffee)

Blue Bottle Coffee Coffee, Whole Bean, Balanced - 12 oz -- $14.99(Amazon)

Blue Bottle Coffee Beta Blend Whole Bean Coffee - Delicate & Floral, Exc... -- $13(Blue Bottle Coffee)

Why We Picked It

The Blue Bottle Single Origin Subscription is a coffee connoisseur's dream, offering a rotating selection of unique, sustainably sourced single-origin beans. This subscription is perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of coffee flavors and enjoy the experience of tasting beans from different regions around the world. Each batch is fresh-roasted in small batches, ensuring the highest quality and most flavorful cup every time.

Who It's For

This subscription is best suited for baristas and coffee enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring a variety of coffee profiles and are committed to ethical sourcing practices. It's also ideal for those who enjoy the convenience of having premium coffee delivered regularly to their doorstep. However, it might not be the best fit for casual coffee drinkers or those who prefer making one-time purchases rather than committing to a subscription.

PROSCONS
✅ Rotating selection of single-origin beans for diverse flavor experiences❌ Subscription model may not appeal to those seeking one-time purchases
✅ Sustainably sourced, ensuring ethical practices and quality❌ Potentially higher cost over time compared to non-subscription options
✅ Fresh-roasted in small batches for peak flavor and aroma❌ Requires commitment to regular deliveries

Stumptown Hair Bender: Best Versatile Coffee Blend

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Stumptown Coffee, Whole Bean, Hair Bender Blend - 12 oz -- $16(Stumptown Coffee Roasters)

Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Hair Bender 12 Ounce Bag with Flavor No... -- $15.99(Amazon)

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Coffee, Ground, Hand Roasted, Hair Bender Blen... -- $15.99(Amazon)

Medium Roast Ground Coffee - Hair Bender 12 Ounce Bag, Flavor Notes of C... -- $15.99(Amazon)

Hair Bender Coffee | Stumptown Coffee Roasters 5lb -- $80(Stumptown Coffee Roasters)

Hair Bender, 12 Ounce -- $17.99(Amazon)

Why We Picked It

Stumptown Hair Bender is a standout blend that has garnered a reputation for its versatility and exceptional flavor profile. It's a coffee that appeals to a wide range of palates and is suitable for various brewing methods, from espresso to drip coffee. The blend's sweet and balanced taste, with notes of citrus, dark chocolate, and raisin, makes it a go-to choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, complex cup.

Who It's For

This coffee is perfect for those who appreciate a medium roast with a rich and nuanced flavor. It's ideal for coffee drinkers who enjoy experimenting with different brewing methods to bring out the unique taste notes. The Direct Trade sourcing also appeals to ethically conscious consumers who value sustainability and long-term producer relationships.

PROSCONS
✅ Complex flavor profile with sweet citrus and dark chocolate notes❌ High demand can lead to occasional stock shortages
✅ Versatile for multiple brewing methods including espresso and drip coffee❌ Price point may be higher compared to standard blends
✅ Ethically sourced through Direct Trade, supporting sustainable practices❌ Flavor nuances may vary with different brewing techniques, requiring experimentation for optimal taste

Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso: Best Classic Espresso Blend

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Intelligentsia Coffee, Black Cat Classic, Espresso - 12 oz -- $14.14(Amazon)

Coffee, Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Black Cat Espresso 12 Ounce Bag... -- $14.14(Amazon)

Intelligentsia Coffee, Decaf Black Cat Espresso - 12 oz -- $17.5(Intelligentsia Coffee)

Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso - 12oz 2 Pack Roasted On Jan -- $21.99(eBay - ismsoe)

Why We Picked It

The Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso is a celebrated choice for coffee aficionados looking to enjoy a classic espresso experience. Its full-bodied richness and deep, complex flavor profile make it an ideal blend for creating authentic espresso beverages. The blend's reputation for quality and consistency ensures that each cup will deliver a satisfying taste that's become synonymous with the Intelligentsia brand.

Who It's For

This espresso blend is best suited for coffee lovers who appreciate a robust and flavorful cup. It's perfect for those who enjoy crafting traditional espresso drinks at home or desire a gourmet coffee experience. However, it may not be the best choice for individuals who prefer lighter roasts or are sensitive to bold, intense flavors.

PROSCONS
✅ Rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of stone fruit, dark sugars, and dark chocolate❌ May be too bold or intense for those who prefer lighter roasts
✅ Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, ensuring high quality❌ Premium pricing compared to some other espresso blends
✅ Available in both regular and decaf options to cater to different preferences❌ Flavor profile might not appeal to all palates, especially those new to espresso

Counter Culture Big Trouble: Best Classic Flavor Coffee

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COUNTER CULTURE COFFEE 12 OZ Big Trouble, 12 OZ -- $13.49(Amazon)

Counter Culture Coffee, Whole Bean, Big Trouble - 12 oz -- $16(Counter Culture Coffee)

Counter Culture Coffee 5lb Bag (Big trouble) -- $100(Amazon)

Counter Culture Coffee - Whole Bean Coffee - Multi-Pack - One 12oz Bag o... -- $29.98(Amazon)

Counter Culture Coffee - Big Trouble Blend - Whole Bean Coffee - Freshly... -- $72.99(Jubilee Grocery)

Counter Culture Coffee - Big Trouble Blend - Whole Bean Coffee - Freshly... -- $74.99(Amazon)

Why We Picked It

Counter Culture Big Trouble is selected for its ability to deliver a classic coffee experience with its rich, nutty, and caramel flavors. This coffee is perfect for those who appreciate a traditional taste profile in their cup of joe. The medium-dark roast level ensures a smooth and round taste, making it a comforting choice for everyday enjoyment.

Who It's For

This coffee is best suited for customers who prefer a familiar and comforting taste in their coffee without the complexity of exotic flavor notes. It's ideal for those who enjoy a medium-dark roast with a sweet and mild character. However, it may not be the first choice for specialty coffee enthusiasts looking for unique and distinctive taste profiles in their brew.

PROSCONS
✅ Comforting nutty and caramel flavors❌ May not satisfy those seeking unique flavor notes
✅ Medium-dark roast for a smooth taste❌ Price varies depending on package size
✅ Available in various sizes and multi-packs for convenience❌ Limited to whole bean option, requiring a grinder

La Colombe Corsica Blend: Best Balanced Dark Roast Coffee

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La Colombe Coffee, Darker Roast, Corsica - 12 oz -- $14(La Colombe Coffee Roasters)

La Colombe Corsica Drip Grind Coffee - 12 Ounce, Pack of 4 - Full Bodied... -- $51.56(Amazon)

Why We Picked It

The La Colombe Corsica Blend is selected for its exceptional balance of boldness and smoothness, making it a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a rich, full-bodied flavor. Its dark roast profile, combined with notes of chocolate, red wine, and spices, offers a complex and satisfying coffee experience suitable for a variety of brewing methods.

Who It's For

This coffee blend is ideal for those who enjoy a consistent and robust coffee flavor with each cup. It's perfect for individuals who appreciate the depth of a darker roast and the nuanced tastes that come with it. However, it might not be the best fit for those who prefer to explore different flavor profiles and seek variety in their coffee routine.

PROSCONS
✅ Versatile for multiple brewing methods❌ May not suit those who prefer a lighter roast
✅ Rich notes of Baker's Chocolate, Red Wine, and Spices❌ Flavor consistency might be less appealing to those desiring variety
✅ Crafted with specialty beans from Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico❌ Price point may be higher than some other coffee options

Verve Coffee Roasters Streetlevel Espresso: Best Vibrant Espresso Blend

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Verve Coffee Roasters - Streetlevel Espresso -- $19.75(Seattle Coffee Gear)

Craft Instant Coffee Streetlevel Blend | Medium Roast, Ground, Hand-Roas... -- $17(Amazon)

Verve Coffee Roasters Craft Instant Coffee Streetlevel Blend | M -- $17(Amazon)

Whole Bean & Instant Coffee Bundle Streetlevel Blend | Medium Roast, Bre... -- $28.99(Amazon)

Verve StreetLevel Whole Bean Coffee 12 oz -- $13.43(Target)

Why We Picked It

Verve Coffee Roasters Streetlevel Espresso is chosen for its unique and vibrant flavor profile, which offers a refreshing departure from the more traditional espresso blends. This blend is particularly notable for its bright and lively cup, with tasting notes that include Nectarine, Key Lime, and Brown Sugar. It's freshly roasted in Santa Cruz, California, ensuring a high-quality, craft coffee experience with every sip.

Who It's For

This espresso blend is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a more modern and adventurous taste profile in their espresso. It's ideal for those who enjoy exploring different coffee origins and flavors, particularly the sweet and citrusy notes that come from Ethiopian heirloom coffees. However, it might not be the first choice for those who are staunch fans of classic, dark-roasted espresso flavors.

PROSCONS
✅ Unique flavor profile with notes of Nectarine, Key Lime, and Brown Sugar❌ Distinct taste may not appeal to traditional espresso lovers
✅ Freshly roasted for optimal freshness and quality❌ Premium price point compared to standard blends
✅ Ethically sourced with a commitment to positive community impact❌ Limited availability compared to mass-market brands

Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend: Best Blend for Rich, Full-Bodied Coffee Lovers

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Peet's Coffee & Tea Bulk Coffee, Major Dickason's Blend, Ground, 1 lb Bag -- $18.65(Home Depot)

Dark Roast K-Cup Pods for Keurig Brewers - Major Dickason's Blend 75 Cou... -- $39.99(Amazon)

Peet's Coffee Coffee, Ground, Dark Roast, Major Dickasons Blend - 18 oz -- $14.26(Amazon)

Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee - Major Dickason's Blend 18 Ounce Bag -- $14.98(Amazon)

Peet's Coffee Major Dickanson's Dark Blend Coffee Keurig K-Cups, Dark Ro... -- $12.88(eBay - hightide.family.retailers2015)

Why We Picked It

Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, flavor, and customer satisfaction. Developed through a unique collaboration between Mr. Peet and a passionate customer, this blend has stood the test of time to become Peet's all-time bestseller. Its rich, complex, and full-bodied flavor profile is achieved by combining the best origin coffees from the world's premier growing regions, making it a consistently satisfying choice for coffee lovers. The availability in various forms, including ground coffee, whole beans, and K-Cup Pods, along with its recyclable packaging and positive impact sourcing, further enhances its appeal.

Who It's For

Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a deep, robust flavor in their cup but also value the convenience and consistency of a widely recognized brand. It's perfect for those who enjoy their coffee dark roasted, whether they're brewing it at home or using a Keurig brewer. However, individuals seeking highly unique or single-origin coffees might find it too mainstream.

PROSCONS
✅ Rich, complex, and full-bodied flavor that appeals to a wide audience❌ May be considered too mainstream for some coffee aficionados
✅ Versatile availability in ground, whole bean, and K-Cup Pod formats❌ Lacks the uniqueness of smaller roastery offerings
✅ Committed to recyclable packaging and positive impact sourcing❌ Some may find the dark roast too intense

Heart Roasters Stereo Blend: Refined Choice for Manual Brewing

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Heart Coffee Roasters - Kenya Nyawira AB - Portland, OR -- $23(The Daily Cellar)

Why We Picked It

The Heart Roasters Stereo Blend is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and balance, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts of pour-over and other manual brewing methods. Its meticulous roasting process ensures a coffee experience that highlights the unique characteristics of the beans, providing a cup that's both nuanced and satisfying.

Who It's For

This blend is perfect for coffee aficionados who appreciate a lighter, more refined cup of coffee. It's especially suited for baristas and home brewers who specialize in manual brewing techniques and seek a coffee that can showcase their skills and the subtleties of the coffee. However, it might not be the first choice for those who prefer their coffee with a heavier body and stronger, more robust flavors.

PROSCONS
✅ Exceptional clarity and balance❌ May be too light for those preferring a heavier body
✅ Ideal for pour-over and manual brewing methods❌ Flavor profile might not appeal to those who like strong coffee
✅ Nuanced flavors suited for coffee aficionados❌ Price point may be higher due to quality and sourcing

Four Barrel Coffee The Friend Blend: Best Versatile Espresso Blend

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Friendo Blendo Espresso -- $37.99(Amazon)

Four Barrel Coffee Espresso - 12oz -- $15.99(Good Eggs)

Why We Picked It

The Four Barrel Coffee The Friend Blend is a delightful espresso blend that strikes a balance between sweetness and approachability, making it an excellent choice for a broad audience of coffee drinkers. Its versatility is a key selling point, as it can satisfy the taste buds of both new coffee enthusiasts and those who enjoy a reliable, everyday cup. The blend's citrus and berry notes, followed by a toffee sweetness, provide a pleasant and consistent flavor profile that is roasted to perfection in San Francisco.

Who It's For

This blend is best suited for coffee lovers who appreciate a well-rounded, sweet, and approachable coffee that can be enjoyed in various brewing methods. It's an ideal choice for cafes looking to offer a crowd-pleasing option. However, coffee aficionados who prefer the distinct and nuanced flavors of single-origin coffees might find The Friend Blend less intriguing due to its blended nature.

PROSCONS
✅ Sweet and approachable flavor profile❌ May lack complexity for some coffee connoisseurs
✅ Versatile for a wide range of coffee drinkers❌ Higher price point compared to some other blends
✅ Quality blend of beans from El Salvador, Ethiopia, and Rwanda❌ Only available in whole bean form, which requires a grinder

Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather: Versatile Medium Roast with Unique Flavors

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Southern Weather Whole Bean Coffee Blend – Medium Roasted Coffee Beans W... -- $19.5(Amazon)

Onyx Coffee Lab - Southern Weather 10oz -- $19.5(Amazon)

Onyx Coffee Lab "Southern Weather Blend" Medium Roasted Whole Bean Coffe... -- $20(Amazon)

Coffee Southern Weather Extractions by Onyx Coffee Lab -- $25(Sumiye Co)

Onyx Coffee Lab "Southern Weather Blend" Medium Roasted Whole Bean Coffe... -- $53(Amazon)

Why We Picked It

Onyx Coffee Lab's Southern Weather blend is a meticulously crafted medium roast that stands out for its unique balance of flavors and freshness. With its combination of Colombian and Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans, this blend offers a sophisticated taste profile of milk chocolate, plum, and candied walnuts, complemented by a juicy and citrus finish. The coffee is roasted using solar energy, ensuring a fresh and eco-friendly product. Its versatility in brewing, performing well both as a pure filter coffee and in milk-based espresso drinks, makes it a standout choice for a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.

Who It's For

This coffee blend is perfect for those who appreciate a medium roast with a modern twist on acidity and body, and are looking for a coffee that pairs well with dairy or plant-based beverages. It's ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy exploring complex flavor profiles and are open to a blend that goes beyond traditional espresso tastes. However, it might not be the first choice for those strictly seeking a classic espresso flavor.

PROSCONS
✅ Unique blend of Colombian & Ethiopian Arabica beans❌ Flavor profile may not suit traditional espresso purists
✅ Eco-friendly roasting process using solar energy❌ Price point may be higher than some competitors
✅ Versatile brewing options, excellent with or without milk❌ Specific taste notes might not appeal to all coffee drinkers


Thanks for checking out the best coffee for baristas! If you have any more questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy brewing!

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