Buying gourmet coffee is harder than one may at first think - there are so many different varieties of coffee out there; they differ in origins, roasts and grinds.  Generally you’ll start with just a general idea of what you’re after and will use trial and error to find a particular taste suited to your needs.

It may be worth visiting your local coffee merchant or coffee shop barista as they will guide you in finding a coffee and a blend that you absolutely love!  Remember that if you love the taste of a coffee but the texture is wrong you can have it ground to the texture you like - some people prefer a grittier harsher coffee whereas others have a passion for a smoother blend.  Neither is the “better” cup of coffee - it’s all about personal taste.

Over time though you will start to value the differing flavours from countries of origin and notice how the taste of your coffee is affected by the soil and climate where the bean has originated.  The quality of the bean depends on many factors but soon you’ll learn to even notice the difference between beans which are grown in the same country but on different plantations.  This is when you’ll be seen as an expert in gourmet coffee buying.

If you want to take a more active role in producing your own gourmet coffee you can roast your own beans and grind them yourself - it doesn’t take much effort and it’s a great feeling drinking coffee that you have produced yourself!