Single Origin or Blend: Finding Your Perfect Cup of McCabe's Coffee

At McCabe’s Coffee Roasters, we’re often asked: What’s the difference between single-origin coffee and blends? It's no secret that we're huge fans of both, and as a roastery that celebrates both, we thought we'd spend some time explainign the difference and highlighting how each are great option for your daily brew.

What is Single Origin Coffee?

A single-origin coffee is coffee comes from one specific region, farm, or even a single lot within a farm. This traceability gives a clear expression of the terroir ( teuh·waa)— the soil, climate, and altitude that shape the beans’ flavour. Think of this kind of like wine

For example, our Monsoon Malabar is an intense single origin with smooth dark chocolate notes, from the Manjarabad region in India. It’s an elegant coffee that highlights the rich characteristics of its birthplace. Meanwhile, our Colombian Organic single origin offers sweet notes of apricot and honey balanced with red apple, perfect for those who like a rounder, more delicate profile.

Why would I choose Single Origin?

• Distinctive flavour that tells the story of a specific place
• Perfect for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy exploring nuance
• Often seasonal, giving you a chance to taste coffees at their freshest

 

What is a Blend?

A blend is exactly what it suggests —a mix of beans from different origins. The art of blending allows us to combine complementary flavours to create balance, consistency, and complexity.

Take our three stat award-winning Blend 15, for example. Bringing together beans from Colombia, Sumatra and Ethiopia all into one extremely - it harmonises the flavours of each, producing sweet notes of chocolate and toffee with the brightness of stone fruits for a smooth, lingering finish. Or consider our Wicklow Organic, a Fairtrade-certified blend designed for everyday drinking—rich, full-bodied, and endlessly satisfying, whether you enjoy it as a morning espresso or an afternoon flat white.

Why Choose a Blend?

• Balanced flavours that are smooth and approachable
• Consistency throughout the year, regardless of harvest cycles
• A reliable choice for espresso drinkers and milk-based coffees

Which Should You Choose?

There’s no right or wrong, it all comes down to what you enjoy. If you love exploring unique taste experiences, single origins like our Monsoon Malabar or Colombia Organic might be your perfect fit. If you want a dependable, versatile coffee for every occasion, you’ll find a friend in Blend 15 or Wicklow Organic.

At McCabe’s, we roast in small batches to bring out the very best in both our single origins and our blends. Whether you’re chasing adventure in the cup or simply want the comfort of a familiar favourite, we’ve got something to suit every palate.

☕ Explore our full range of single origins and blends today, and discover the difference for yourself.