shutterstock

Top 100 Coffee Beans
in the World

Last updated on July 15, 2026

Best Coffee Beans in the World

01

Hacienda La Esmeralda

5.0 ·

Hacienda La Esmeralda is synonymous with premium coffee and is one of the most esteemed specialty coffee producers in the world. Nestled in the beautiful Boquete region of Panama, this family-owned estate boasts a tradition spanning more than half a century. The Peterson family acquired the estate in 1967, dedicating themselves to cultivating coffee with unparalleled quality and character.

Their breakthrough moment came in 2004 when they discovered the exceptional properties of the Geisha coffee variety, renowned for its extraordinary aroma and complex flavor profile. Today, Hacienda La Esmeralda produces exclusive micro-lots of Geisha coffee, such as Esmeralda Auction, Esmeralda Special, and Esmeralda Private Collection, available only through auctions and select sales channels. Each batch of their coffee is the result of meticulously controlled cultivation, careful hand-picking, and innovative processing methods, ensuring an unforgettable taste and experience in every cup. Hacienda La Esmeralda is more than just a coffee producer – it is a story of dedication, tradition, and the pursuit of perfection.

Their mission is clear: to craft coffee that pushes boundaries and inspires coffee lovers around the world.

Awards
Best Of Panama Competition - 1st Place (2019, 2010)
02

Dark Woods Coffee

5.0 ·

Dark Woods Coffee is a coffee roastery based in the village of Marsden, West Yorkshire, England. It was founded by three industry professionals: Damian Blackburn, Ian Agnew, and Paul Meikle-Janney.

The company operates out of a refurbished Victorian textile mill and is known for sourcing high-quality, ethically-produced beans. Dark Woods Coffee has received several awards for its products, including Great Taste Awards.

They emphasize education and training, hosting workshops and courses for both amateur enthusiasts and professional baristas.

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
03

Ninety Plus Gesha Estates

4.9 ·

Ninety Plus Coffee is an innovative producer of specialty coffee, known for its commitment to quality, environmental sustainability, and pioneering processing methods. The company was founded in 2006 by Joseph Brodsky with a vision to redefine industry standards through experimentation with fermentation, terroirs, and cultivation methods. Ninety Plus Coffee began its journey in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, where new approaches to coffee cultivation and processing were developed.

Shortly after, the company expanded its plantations to Panama, recognizing the exceptional conditions for growing premium Arabica coffee. Its two leading farms, Gesha Estates and Barú Estates, are situated on rich volcanic soil and surrounded by biodiversity that enables organic coffee growth in the shade of natural forests. Their Gesha variety is particularly significant, recognized as one of the best coffees in the world.

Coffees from the Ninety Plus collection have won awards at prestigious competitions and have been used to claim several world championships in coffee preparation. Their cultivation method does not rely on conventional plantation systems but instead follows a holistic approach that encourages the regeneration of natural ecosystems.

04

Doi Chaang Coffee

4.9 ·

Doi Chaang Coffee is a Thai specialty coffee producer headquartered in Chiang Rai Province, best known for producing single-origin 100% Arabica coffee grown in the mountainous village of Doi Chaang at elevations ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,700 meters above sea level. The company was established in 1990 as a cooperative of the local Akha community with the goal of improving coffee quality and creating a sustainable source of income for local farmers. Coffee cultivation was introduced as part of a crop substitution program that replaced opium poppy farming, and today production is based on sustainable agricultural practices in cooperation with hundreds of local growers. Only Arabica coffee varieties are cultivated, with the cherries being hand-picked, carefully sorted, and processed to preserve their distinctive origin characteristics. The company oversees the entire production process, from cultivation and processing to roasting and packaging, ensuring consistent quality. Doi Chaang Coffee holds a Geographical Indication (GI) designation for coffee produced in the Doi Chaang region, and its products are exported to numerous international markets. In addition to roasted whole bean and ground coffee, the company operates coffee shops and actively promotes Thai specialty coffee worldwide.

05

Elida Estate

4.9 ·

Lamastus Family Estates is a prestigious name in the world of premium coffee, with a cultivation tradition spanning over a century. The Lamastus family has been producing coffee since 1918, when Robert Lamastus founded the first plantation in the Boquete region, in the heart of Panama.

Today, this family tradition lives on through three exceptional estates: Elida Estate, El Burro Estate, and Luito Geisha Estate, located at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,500 meters. The unique location of these plantations, rich volcanic soil, and microclimatic conditions contribute to the development of coffee with exceptional complexity of flavor and aromatic profile. Among the varieties we cultivate, the Geisha variety stands out, having won numerous prestigious awards, including multiple titles at the Best of Panama competition. We take pride in blending tradition with innovation.

Coffee from our estates reaches the most discerning connoisseurs worldwide, and our dedicated research into fermentation and drying processes allows us to continually raise the bar for quality.

Awards
Best Of Panama Competition - 1st Place (2018)
Best Of Panama Competition - Second Place (2020)
06

Aida Batlle Selection

4.9 ·

Aida Batlle Selection refers to a premium line of coffees sourced and curated by Aida Batlle, a renowned coffee producer from El Salvador. Batlle is known for her meticulous approach to coffee cultivation, processing, and selection, earning her international acclaim in the specialty coffee industry.

Sourced primarily from her family farms in El Salvador, notably in the Santa Ana region. Includes Bourbon, Pacamara, and other high-quality Arabica varieties. Aida Batlle was the first woman to win the Cup of Excellence in El Salvador. Her coffees are sought after by specialty roasters and cafes worldwide. Collaborates with elite roasters to ensure her coffee is showcased at its best.

Awards
Coffee Review - 6th Place (2017)
07

Gesha Village Estate

4.9 ·

Gesha Village Coffee Estate – Redefining Excellence in Coffee Cultivation Gesha Village Coffee Estate is a world-renowned coffee farm located in western Ethiopia, near the border with South Sudan, in a region known for its lush forests and rich biodiversity. Founded in 2011 by Rachel Samuel and Adam Overton, who transitioned from careers in photography and documentary filmmaking to coffee farming, Gesha Village is dedicated to preserving and elevating the legacy of Ethiopian coffee.

Spanning 471 hectares, with 341 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation and 27% of the land preserved for natural conservation, the estate is home to over 730,000 coffee trees. Gesha Village is best known for cultivating Gesha 1931, a variety traced back to the nearby Gori Gesha forest, where the legendary Gesha variety was originally discovered.

The estate employs meticulously controlled processing methods, including both natural and washed techniques, resulting in coffees with exquisite flavor profiles characterized by jasmine, brown sugar, and raspberry notes. Beyond coffee production, Gesha Village is committed to sustainability and community development, as demonstrated by the establishment of the first high school in the area in 2021, providing essential educational opportunities for local families.

The estate has gained global recognition, achieving record-breaking auction prices, including a remarkable $105 per pound, the highest price ever paid for an African coffee. Their mission is to connect the world to Ethiopia through an exceptional coffee experience while preserving the environment and improving the livelihoods of the surrounding community.

08

Sey Coffee

4.9 ·

  Sey Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Brooklyn, New York, recognized for its meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting, and presenting some of the world’s most distinctive coffees. Founded by a team of coffee professionals dedicated to transparency and quality, Sey Coffee has built its reputation around direct relationships with producers and a strong focus on showcasing the unique characteristics of each coffee’s origin.

The company specializes in seasonal, single-origin coffees sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Peru, Kenya, and Ecuador. Sey Coffee is particularly known for its light roasting philosophy, designed to highlight clarity, sweetness, acidity, and the natural complexity of the coffee rather than roast-derived flavors.

Every coffee is selected for its exceptional quality and traceability, with detailed information provided about the farm, producer, variety, altitude, and processing method. In addition to its roasting operation, Sey Coffee operates a minimalist café and tasting space in Brooklyn where visitors can experience its coffees through carefully prepared filter and espresso offerings.

The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, long-term producer partnerships, and equitable sourcing practices. Through its commitment to precision and transparency, Sey Coffee has become one of the most respected names in the contemporary specialty coffee industry and a reference point for coffee professionals and enthusiasts seeking origin-driven coffees of exceptional quality.

09

Finca El Injerto

4.9 ·

Finca El Injerto is one of the most esteemed coffee plantations in Guatemala, renowned for its exceptional quality and commitment to sustainable production. Nestled in the mountainous region of Huehuetenango, this family-owned farm boasts a legacy spanning more than a century. Founded in 1874, the farm initially cultivated sugarcane and other agricultural crops, but in the early 20th century, it fully dedicated itself to coffee production.

The name El Injerto originates from a native fruit found in this region, symbolizing the farm’s deep connection to nature and the uniqueness of its terroir. Today, the third and fourth generations of the Aguirre family manage the farm with a clear mission – to produce the highest-quality specialty coffee, maintaining strict control over every step of the process, from cultivation to final processing. Finca El Injerto does not purchase coffee beans from other producers; instead, it exclusively processes its own harvest, ensuring premium quality and full traceability.

Awards
Cup of Excellence - 1st Place (2015)
Cup of Excellence - 1st Place (2013, 2012, 2011, 2006)
10

Café Granja La Esperanza

4.9 ·

Café Granja La Esperanza is a leading specialty coffee producer from Colombia, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovative fermentation methods, and cultivation of rare varieties. Founded in 1945, the farm began its journey in the Valle del Cauca region with Yellow Bourbon, Red Bourbon, and Caturra varieties before expanding to estates such as Las Margaritas, La Esperanza, Cerro Azul, Potosí, and Hawaii.

Their continuous research and refinement of cultivation and processing techniques have made them synonymous with premium coffee and precision fermentation. In 2007, they gained global recognition by growing the Geisha variety in Panama, which won first place at the prestigious Best of Panama competition.

Their innovative approach includes specialized fermentation processes such as X.O and Napoleon, which enhance flavor complexity and unique aromas. Managing five farms, Café Granja La Esperanza cultivates exclusive varieties such as Geisha, Mokka, Laurina, Pacamara, Pink Bourbon, and Lupe Maria, adapting them to Colombia’s microclimatic conditions.

Their dedication to sustainability and community support is reflected in their work with 12 coffee-producing communities, while their expert team with Q-Grader certification ensures top-tier quality in every batch. Blending tradition with innovation, Café Granja La Esperanza continues to push the boundaries of the specialty coffee industry, delivering a unique experience in every cup.

Awards
Coffee Review - 3rd Place (2019)

Best Coffee Beans Types in the World

01

Café de Colombia

4.5 ·

Café de Colombia is produced using different varieties of coffee of the Arabica species such as Caturra, Típica, Borbón, Maragogipe, Tabi, Colón, San Bernardo and Colombia, now known as Castillo. It is cultivated in the Colombian Coffee Growing Area, which is situated on the slopes of the Andean mountain range and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. This area is known to offer fresh coffee throughout the year, as the harvesting is carried out several times. According to some documents, it was the Jesuits who first cultivated coffee in Colombia, in the region of Santander around 1732. Today, approximately 12% of the world’s total coffee production comes from Colombia, and one of the most distinctive features of the Colombian coffee production chain is that it is primarily run by local farmers on coffee plantations, where each coffee bean is carefully hand-picked and wet-processed. In 1958, Juan Valdez, a fictional coffee farmer appeared in adverts for the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia and became a symbol for Café de Colombia which is prized for its full body, fragrant aroma and rich flavor.

02

Arabica

4.2 ·

Arabica is considered the first species of coffee that today makes up about 60% of total coffee production. It is native to the southern highlands of Ethiopia but today is grown in many parts of the world, namely parts of Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, China, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Since the bean only succeeds in wet and dry tropical climates, with constant temperatures, where it grows at high altitudes and gets lots of indirect sun, all of the countries in which Arabica is grown are located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer, which is an area also known as The Coffee Belt. Arabica coffee is a delicate plant that is difficult to cultivate, does not stand frost and harsh climate changes, and produces a lower yield compared to robusta, for example. It has a mild and rich flavor, with hints of chocolate, fruit, nuts, and berries, and has very little caffeine and fine acidity. The bean is oval, slightly bigger than the robusta bean, and develops an uneven and s-shaped groove when roasted. Because of these characteristics, including the growing conditions needed to produce it, Arabica is the most sought-after, prized, and most expensive coffee bean. At present, there are about 70 different varieties of Arabica coffee, the most noted of which are Typica and Bourbon.

03

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

3.7 ·

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a specialty Arabica coffee grown in a legally defined zone within the Blue Mountain range of eastern Jamaica, at elevations between roughly 900 and 1,700 meters. The area spans parts of the parishes of St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland, and St. Mary, where cool temperatures, consistent mist, volcanic soil, and slow-ripening conditions contribute to the character of the coffee. The product is regulated by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica, which oversees planting, processing, grading, and export standards. Only coffee grown and processed within the protected region may be labeled Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee cultivation in Jamaica began in the eighteenth century, when Arabica seedlings were introduced to the island and gradually adapted to the mountainous terrain. The Blue Mountains, with their high elevation and steady humidity, proved suitable for slow maturation, and by the nineteenth century the region had become the center of the island’s coffee production. Over the following decades, improvements in processing practices such as wet milling and careful drying led to a reputation for consistent, mild, balanced coffee. During the twentieth century, export relationships, especially with Japan, strengthened demand for the beans, establishing Jamaica Blue Mountain as a recognized high-grade product in global specialty coffee markets. Regulatory frameworks were introduced to maintain quality and protect the geographic designation. Preparation begins with hand-picking the ripe red coffee cherries from the steep mountain slopes. The cherries are transported to wet mills where they are pulped, fermented, washed, and then dried either mechanically or in the sun, depending on the weather. The dried beans are sorted and graded according to size and defect count, with Grades 1 and 2 representing the highest quality. After grading, the beans are rested, packed (often in wooden barrels for export), and roasted by importers or local roasters. When brewed, the coffee is noted for a mild flavor, low bitterness, balanced acidity, and a clean finish. These characteristics come from the slow maturation of the cherries at high altitude and the careful processing required to preserve the beans’ clarity. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is consumed in Jamaica in cafés, hotels, and homes, and internationally in roasteries and specialty coffee shops. Today, over 80% of this coffee type gets exported to Japan. It is usually served black or with minimal additions so its mild profile remains perceptible. It pairs well with pastries, buttered breads, coconut-based desserts, and lightly sweet baked goods, since these do not overpower the coffee’s subtle flavors.

04

Robusta

3.6 ·

Robusta is a coffee species characterized by its high acidity, bitterness, and woody and nutty taste. The Robusta bean is smallish and round, with a straight line down its center. It was first discovered in Congo but is native to Central and West Africa, in countries like Angola, Liberia, and Tanzania. Scientifically, Robusta is identified as caffea canephora and has two varieties, robusta and nganda. Robusta production makes for about 30% of total coffee production. The plant grows at low elevations, can withstand many harsh conditions, has a greater crop yield, and is less prone to disease, making it easier and cheaper to produce than the more prized Arabica. However, despite the benefits when it comes to cultivation and price, Robusta is considered subpar in the taste department when compared to Arabica. Some would even go as far as to say it tastes like burnt rubber. Because of this, it is often used as filler in lower-grade coffee blends and instant coffee. In fact, in Italy, espresso is usually and traditionally made with a blend of 85-90% Arabica and 10-15% Robusta. One reason for this is that Robusta produces a honey-colored, long-lasting, and stable cream on top of the shot Italians call crema. The other reason is Robusta's woody, bitter, earthy taste and high caffeine amount. Today, Vietnam is the world's largest producer of Robusta coffee, followed by Brazil, Indonesia, and India.

05

Kopi Arabika Gayo

3.5 ·

Kopi Arabika Gayo is a type of Arabica coffee cultivated in the highland region of Gayo in Aceh Province, located in the northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is grown primarily in the Gayo Plateau, which encompasses areas such as Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues. The coffee is recognized for its clean taste, medium to full body, and low acidity, often with herbal, earthy, or spicy notes. It is considered one of the most prominent Indonesian Arabica coffees and has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indonesian government, certifying its origin and specific growing conditions. The cultivation of Arabica coffee in the Gayo region began in the early 20th century during the Dutch colonial period. Over time, it developed into a key economic activity, especially after the 1970s, when demand for specialty coffee began to increase globally. Gayo’s elevation, which ranges from 1,200 to 1,700 meters above sea level, along with its volcanic soil and moderate climate, makes it well-suited for growing high-quality Arabica beans. Most of the coffee is cultivated by smallholder farmers, often organized into cooperatives that focus on organic and fair trade practices. Gayo coffee is typically processed using the wet-hulling method known locally as giling basah, a technique widely used in Sumatra. This involves partially drying the beans before hulling and then completing the drying process afterward. The result is a unique flavor profile that emphasizes a rich mouthfeel and deep, earthy undertones. The beans are known for their large size and greenish hue before roasting. When brewed, Gayo coffee is appreciated for its balance and clarity, with a cup profile that may include hints of dark chocolate, cedar, nutmeg, and dried fruit, depending on the roast level and specific lot. The reputation of Kopi Arabika Gayo extends beyond Indonesia, with exports reaching major markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. It is often featured in specialty coffee competitions and praised by roasters for its consistency and traceability. In international contexts, it is commonly marketed as Gayo Mountain Coffee or Gayo Sumatra Arabica, and it is sometimes included in single-origin offerings by premium coffee brands. Domestically, it holds a strong place in the Indonesian coffee industry as a symbol of the country’s capacity to produce high-grade Arabica. Gayo coffee shops and cooperatives play a role not only in promoting the product but also in preserving sustainable farming and post-harvest processing practices. The coffee has also contributed to the economic development of the region and is integrated into Acehnese cultural identity and local hospitality.

06

Kafae Doi Chaang

n/a ·

Kafae Doi Chaang is an organic coffee of the Caturra, Catimor and Catuai Arabica varieties, grown in the hills of northeastern Thailand on the Doi Chaang mountain. The coffee is pure, refreshing and of the highest quality. It has a good balance of sweetness and acidity, with a honey-like scent and hints of flowers and cherries. The green beans are carefully cultivated, hand-picked, processed and roasted, making a coffee with a complex and full flavor. Doi Chaang coffee is naturally low in caffeine content and goes great with fresh milk and some sugar. Roasting the beans slightly darker will bring out its subtle chocolate and hazelnut tones.

07

Huehuetenango highland coffee

n/a ·

Produced in the Huehuetenango region in Guatemala at altitudes up to 1,900 meters, this coffee is made from plants of coffea arabica, which is cultivated in the shade of tall trees. It comes in three varieties – Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. The berries are harvested by hand – one by one, they are transferred to a wicker basket that is tied around harvesters’ waists. Using a process of soft fermentation, the beans are extracted from the berries. The process begins within 4 hours of gathering and typically lasts from 24 to 36 hours. The beans are then dried for at least 3 hours, and during that time, they are manually turned with a rake. When roasted, the floral flavors with hints of honey and milk chocolate start to present themselves. The indigenous people in the area are descendants of various Mayan tribes and belong to some of the poorest groups in Central America, so the local economy depends on the export of this coffee, which is practically a monoculture in Huehuetenango.

08

Harenna forest wild coffee

n/a ·

In the Harenna forest in the Ethiopian region of Oromia, wild arabica coffee grows in the shade of tall trees. For the local farmers, selling this coffee is the main source of income. They harvest the ripe fruit by hand, a process that is quite often obstructed by cheeky baboons. After the harvest, these berries don’t need to be stripped or washed – they are simply dried in the sun. The preparation of coffee in Ethiopia is a daily ceremony including all social classes. The coffee beans are roasted and ground in a mortar, and the obtained powder is traditionally poured into a coffee pot (known as jabana) filled with boiling water. The first coffee, called abol, is sweetened with sugar and served in a small cup without handles to the oldest person. The next two coffees (tona and baraka) are made by adding water to the jabana. All three types of coffee are typically served with wheat, corn, or toasted barley.

09

Café de Valdesia (Valdesia coffee)

n/a ·

Café de Valdesia is produced from the varieties of Typica and Caturra, both of which are Arabian species grown in the highlands of the provinces Ocoa, Peravia and San Cristóbal. Coffee was first introduced into the Dominican Republic in 1735 and today, together with the cocoa industry, plays a great role in the country's agriculture sector, employing nearly half of the sector's workforce and exporting almost 20% of the annual production. Café de Valdesia is harvested throughout the year, but mostly between November and May. Depending on the roasting level, there are three types of Valdesia coffee available on the market: medium, medium-dark and dark, each with different organoleptic properties. Cafe de Valdesia has a well-balanced body of an exceptional flavor, with a delicate chocolate aroma and slight citrus notes.

10

Kafae Doi Tung

n/a ·

Kafae Doi Tung are Arabica coffee beans gathered from coffee plants grown in the Doi Tung area in Thailand. These Arabica coffee hybrids are made from the crosses of Catimor, Catuai and Caturra hybrids . The trees are grown in the shade of vast forests and receive special care and treatment at every step of the production process. This strict quality control and a slow maturation process ensure that the beans have a balanced taste, medium body, sweet scent and a slight acidity without any sharpness. They are bluish green to green, and when roasted, the coffee is brown to dark brown. Before drinking a cup of this unique coffee, make sure to keep it at the right temperature without exposure to light, heat and moisture, as the freshness of the cup depends on how new the coffee is.

About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Coffee Beans in the World” list until July 15, 2026, 281 ratings were recorded, of which 210 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

Similar lists