Coffee Varieties 101
Arabica and Robusta are the two main coffee species, but Arabica varieties like Bourbon and Caturra shape flavor profiles just like apple varieties.
- Arabica coffee produces higher quality beans and is the only species that qualifies as Specialty Coffee
- Robusta grows at lower altitudes with disease resistance but tends toward bitter flavors
- Coffee varieties (like Bourbon, Caturra, Pacas) influence flavor profiles similar to how apple varieties differ in taste
You’ve probably seen “100% Arabica” on coffee bags or heard about “Robusta.” But does it really affect the way your coffee tastes? The answer – absolutely!
To help demystify these coffee varieties, we’ll break it all down for you. There are two types (species, to be exact) of coffee that are commercially grown and produce the coffee you and I drink everyday.
First: Robusta coffee. A lower quality plant that flourishes at lower altitudes and has considerable disease resistance but tends to be on the bitter side of the spectrum.
Second: Arabica coffee. While it doesn’t produce as much fruit and is more susceptible to disease, Arabica plants produce higher quality coffee and the only type that can be considered Specialty Coffee (which is why you’ll never see Robusta in the coffees we sell).
We can classify coffees even further than just by species. These are the “varieties” of coffee. You may have seen varieties such as Bourbon, Caturra, Pacas, or many more (we won’t list them all here because there are a ton). The easiest way to think about it is by comparing coffee varieties to the different varieties of apples. Think about how Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are all various types of apples with each one having certain characteristics that we associate with it. You probably have a couple favorite apples, and coffee varieties can guide you to your favorite coffees in the same way.
Knowing the variety of coffee can be an important piece of information that can tell you what flavors you might expect to taste, but remember at the end of the day it’s all about the quality of the coffee, great farmers, talented roasters, and truly enjoying every last sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?
Arabica is higher quality, more delicate, and the only species considered Specialty Coffee. Robusta grows more easily at lower altitudes with better disease resistance but produces bitter, lower-quality beans. All premium specialty coffee, including what Clive Coffee sells, is 100% Arabica.
Do coffee varieties like Bourbon or Caturra actually affect taste?
Yes, absolutely. Coffee varieties influence flavor profiles just like apple varieties — a Honeycrisp tastes different from a Granny Smith. Varieties like Bourbon, Caturra, and Pacas each bring distinct characteristics that help guide you toward coffees you'll love.
Why does my coffee bag say '100% Arabica'?
This label indicates the coffee contains only Arabica beans, which produce higher quality, more flavorful coffee. It's a quality marker that distinguishes specialty coffee from blends containing bitter, lower-grade Robusta beans. Look for this designation when shopping for premium coffee.