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| The Top 10 Gourmet Coffee Brands of 2023 |
Gourmet coffee has exploded in popularity over the last decade. As coffee drinkers become more discerning about quality and taste, there are many excellent gourmet coffee brands available for purchase online or in stores. This article reviews the 10 best gourmet coffee brands of 2023.
What is Gourmet Coffee?
Gourmet coffee beans are high-quality specialty coffee beans produced in smaller batches. They are grown organically or sustainably, freshly roasted before packaging, and focused on unique flavors and tasting notes. Gourmet coffees utilize premium arabica beans over cheaper robusta beans, which also contributes to a finer-tasting cup of coffee.
How We Chose the Best Gourmet Coffees
We selected coffees for this list based on:
- Flavor and aroma profile
- Quality of bean sourcing and roasting methods
- Brand reputation among coffee enthusiasts
- Availability for online ordering
- Overall awards and ratings
We strived to choose coffee brands with distinctive flavors, sustainable and ethical sourcing, dedication to quality, and craft roasting techniques for a refined coffee-drinking experience.
The 10 Best Gourmet Coffee Brands of 2023
1. Blue Bottle Coffee
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| Blue Bottle Coffee |
2. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
.jpg "Stumptown Coffee Roasters") |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters |
Based in Portland, Oregon, Stumptown sources the highest quality direct trade beans that are skillfully roasted to draw out complex tastes. They have an excellent selection of single-origin coffees like Hair Bender and Holler Mountain. Stumptown's cold brew coffee concentrate is also top-notch.
3. Intelligentsia Coffee
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| Intelligentsia Coffee |
Known for ethical sourcing and expert roasting, Intelligentsia produces beloved coffee blends like Black Cat Espresso and single origins like Ethiopia Worka Sakaro. They source each coffee with great care and then optimize the roasting profile to create an amazing experience in the cup.
4. Counter Culture Coffee
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| Counter Culture Coffee |
This specialty roaster not only sources quality beans using sustainable practices but also fosters education through coffee tastings and training. Try a classic like Big Trouble for a balance of earthy and fruity flavors. Or branch out with rotating single origins and Seasonal blends.
5. La Colombe Coffee Roasters
.jpg "La Colombe Coffee Roasters") |
| La Colombe Coffee Roasters |
La Colombe executes the entire coffee-making process with amazing attention to detail. From growing to roasting to brewing, they aim for the perfect cup. Their clean, bright espresso blend called Corsica Blend is highly rated. As is their smooth, velvety draft latte coffee.
6. Peet's Coffee
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| Peet's Coffee |
Alfred Peet is known for starting the artisan coffee movement in the US. Today, Peet's continues to produce expertly roasted beans you can purchase online or in stores. Their Major Dickason's Blend of darkly roasted Indonesian beans is deeply flavored and complex.
7. Allegro Coffee
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| Allegro Coffee |
This organic coffee company has been around for over 35 years but keeps innovating. Their Whole Bean Decaf Coffee is perfect for people who avoid caffeine but enjoy full flavor. They also offer gourmet teas, drinks, and gifts for coffee connoisseurs.
8. illy Caffè
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| illy Caffè |
Illy aims for perfection by controlling the whole coffee production from seed to cup. Their convenient canned coffee is beautifully balanced and aromatic. For true Illy aficionados, the bold and intense 9.1 Illy Espresso is a must-try.
9. Lavazza
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| Lavazza |
This Italian brand has been producing excellent coffee since 1895. Their Qualità Oro Espresso Blend has delicious tasting notes of honey, almond, and dried fruit. They also sell single-origin beans, flavored coffees, espresso blends, and convenient pods.
10. Nespresso (Nestle)
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| Nespresso (Nestle) |
Nespresso makes it incredibly easy to have gourmet espresso at home. Their VertuoLine machines brew coffee shop-quality espresso from coffee capsules you pop in. Each capsule contains perfectly ground, gourmet coffee like rich Diavolitto or aromatic Odacio.
How to Choose Gourmet Coffee Beans
When buying whole-bean gourmet coffee, keep the following criteria in mind:
- Freshness - Check roast dates and buy from companies with high turnover.
- Roast date - Lighter roasts preserve more complexity.
- Flavor notes - Try different origins and profiles.
- Fairtrade and organic - Opt for ethical and eco-friendly growing practices when possible.
- Grind right before brewing - Grind size impacts flavor extraction.
- Brew properly - Follow suggested methods to highlight bean qualities.
Storing Coffee Beans Correctly
Proper storage keeps coffee beans fresh after opening:
- Store in an airtight container away from light, air, heat, and moisture.
- Refrigerate or freeze the portion to use later.
- Buy smaller amounts more often for optimum freshness.
Enjoy Your Gourmet Coffee!
The gourmet coffee brands featured here exemplify what’s great about specialty coffee today. They source amazing coffee beans, produce them sustainably, roast each batch with care, and provide a truly exceptional coffee experience. Exploring different origins, blends, and preparations will help you refine your palette as a coffee lover.
Savoring an expertly crafted cup of gourmet coffee is one of life’s great pleasures. With quality beans, the right tools, and proper methods, you can brew cafe-caliber coffee drinks right at home. Drink better coffee every day by choosing bags from any of these exceptional roasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a coffee brand gourmet?
Gourmet coffee brands focus on sourcing high-quality arabica coffee beans, using sustainable practices, small-batch roasting to bring out unique flavors, and creating an exceptional brewing experience. They treat coffee as an artisanal food product.
Are gourmet coffee beans better?
Gourmet beans are of higher quality and freshness compared to mass-produced coffee. Specialty roasters source specific beans with prized flavors, roast them with care, and package them quickly to deliver a better-tasting cup of coffee.
Is gourmet coffee worth it?
For true coffee lovers who appreciate complex flavors and a refined drinking experience, gourmet coffee is absolutely worth the extra cost over regular coffee. From ethical sourcing to artisan roasting to expert brewing methods, gourmet coffee delivers a superior cup.
How much does gourmet coffee cost?
Gourmet coffee beans cost $9-$20 per 12 oz bag on average. More exclusive beans can cost upwards of $30-$50 per bag. Buying gourmet coffee directly from roasters online provides the best quality and price. Local cafes also sell beans, likely at a higher price.
Where can I buy gourmet coffee beans?
You can buy gourmet coffee beans online from specialty roaster websites, marketplaces like Amazon, or local cafes. Look for roasters known for quality and ethical sourcing. Checking roast dates is key when buying beans anywhere.
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