Every sip of coffee tells a story — from the soil where it’s grown to the plant variety that defines its taste. At Catalia Coffee, we celebrate this diversity through carefully selected coffee varieties that bring unique aromas, body, and flavor to every cup.

Understanding coffee varieties helps you go beyond just “strong” or “mild” coffee. It allows you to explore taste notes of chocolate, berries, citrus, or even jasmine — all depending on the variety. Let’s dive into the world of these fascinating beans that shape your favorite brew.

Why Coffee Varieties Matter

Coffee varieties play a crucial role in:

• Flavor & Aroma: Each variety develops its own natural profile — sweet, fruity, nutty, floral, or spicy.

• Growing Environment: Some varieties thrive in high altitudes and cooler climates, while others grow in lowlands.

• Caffeine Level: Certain varieties naturally contain more caffeine.

• Roasting Behavior: Different bean structures react differently to roasting heat.

When you understand coffee varieties, you gain the power to select coffee that perfectly matches your taste. That’s why Catalia Coffee takes pride in labeling every coffee by its origin, variety, and process — so you always know what’s in your cup.

The Two Main Species: Arabica and Robusta

Arabica (Coffea arabica)

• Represents around 60–70% of the world’s coffee.

• Known for smooth, sweet, and balanced flavors with delicate acidity.

• Often found in specialty coffee shops and premium blends.

• Grown at higher altitudes in cooler climates.

Robusta (Coffea canephora)

• Hardier plant, more resistant to disease and pests.

• Produces stronger, more bitter coffee with higher caffeine content.

• Commonly used in espresso blends for added body and crema.

• Grows well in warmer, lower-altitude regions.

Catalia Coffee often highlights Arabica varieties for their rich complexity, but we also appreciate Robusta’s strength when blended artfully for espresso lovers.

Famous Coffee Varieties Around the World

Bourbon

• Originated from Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon).

• Offers a sweet, balanced flavor with hints of caramel and fruit.

• Known for excellent quality and smooth body.

Typica

• One of the oldest and most traditional Arabica varieties.

• Mild and clean cup with classic coffee flavor.

• The foundation for many other cultivars worldwide.

Caturra

• A natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil.

• Compact plant with bright acidity and citrus notes.

• Popular among Latin American farmers for its productivity.

Geisha (Gesha)

• Originated in Ethiopia but became world-famous in Panama.

• Renowned for its tea-like body and floral, jasmine-like aroma.

• One of the most expensive and prized varieties globally.

Maragogipe

• Known as the “Elephant Bean” due to its large size.

• Offers a smooth, creamy body with mild flavor.

• Rare and often sought by collectors of unique beans.

Hybrid Varieties

• Created to improve disease resistance and yield while maintaining flavor quality.

• Examples include Catimor, Ruiru 11, and SL28/SL34.

• Help ensure sustainability in a changing climate.
  
  

Each of these coffee varieties brings its own story and sensory journey — and you can taste their diversity in every carefully roasted batch from Catalia Coffee.

How Region, Processing, and Roast Shape Flavor

Even the same variety can taste completely different depending on where and how it’s produced.

Growing Region

• Soil, rainfall, and altitude (known as “terroir”) directly affect flavor.

• Ethiopian beans tend to be floral and fruity; Colombian varieties are sweet and balanced; Brazilian varieties are nutty and smooth.

Processing Methods

• Washed (Wet Process): Clean, bright, and crisp flavor.

• Natural (Dry Process): Fruity, bold, and full-bodied.

• Honey Process: Combines the best of both — sweet and balanced.

Roasting

• Light Roast: Preserves natural flavors and acidity of the variety.

• Medium Roast: Offers balanced sweetness and aroma.

• Dark Roast: Emphasizes roasted, smoky, and chocolate notes.

At Catalia Coffee, our roasting experts design roast profiles to highlight the distinct qualities of each coffee variety — allowing the bean’s natural personality to shine.

Choosing the Right Coffee Variety for You

Taste Profile

• For fruity and floral flavors: Try Geisha, Ethiopian Heirlooms, or Bourbon.

• For nutty, chocolatey flavors: Choose Typica or Brazilian Caturra.

• For bold intensity: Go for Robusta blends or dark-roasted hybrids.

Brewing Method

• Pour-Over / Chemex: Brings out delicate flavors in light-roasted Arabicas.

• Espresso: Highlights depth and body — ideal for Robusta-Arabica blends.

• French Press: Delivers rich, full texture from medium or dark roasts.

• Cold Brew: Smooth and low-acid — perfect for sweet, round varieties.

Sustainability

• Opt for hybrid or shade-grown varieties that promote biodiversity.

• Look for coffee grown using ethical and fair-trade practices.

• Catalia Coffee partners with farms committed to sustainability and transparent sourcing.

Catalia Coffee’s Passion for Quality Varieties

At Catalia Coffee, our philosophy is simple: great coffee starts with great varieties.

We travel the world to find beans that express their unique origins — from high-altitude farms in Ethiopia to volcanic soils in Central America. Each lot is cupped, profiled, and roasted to perfection.

What sets us apart:

• Transparency: Every bag lists its variety, origin, altitude, and roast profile.

• Freshness: We roast in small batches to maintain full flavor and aroma.

• Expert Curation: Each variety is selected based on its sensory potential and sustainability.

• Education: We help customers understand what they’re drinking and why it tastes the way it does.

Our lineup lets you experience the diversity of coffee varieties through taste, aroma, and texture — one cup at a time.

FAQs

Q1. What are coffee varieties?

They are genetically distinct types of coffee plants (such as Bourbon, Typica, or Geisha). Each variety has unique taste and growth characteristics that influence the flavor of your cup.

Q2. Which variety is best for beginners?

Start with Arabica varieties like Typica or Bourbon — they’re smooth, well-balanced, and versatile. As you explore more, you can try exotic varieties like Geisha or Maragogipe.

Q3. Are coffee varieties related to roast level?

Not directly. The variety defines the bean’s potential, while the roast decides how that potential is expressed — light for nuance, dark for intensity. At Catalia Coffee, we match roast profiles to each variety’s natural character.

Conclusion

The world of coffee varieties is vast, flavorful, and endlessly fascinating. Each bean carries the essence of its environment, its farmer’s care, and the roaster’s craft.

At Catalia Coffee, we invite you to explore these unique varieties — to discover which one tells your coffee story. Whether you crave floral Geisha elegance, Bourbon sweetness, or Robusta boldness, your perfect cup awaits.

Experience the taste of true variety. Experience Catalia Coffee.