How to choose your coffee ?

Each coffee has its own unique characteristics, and it is important to consider its origin, roast level, and your consumption habits in order to choose one that suits your current taste. Here we offer a guide to help you navigate the selection, along with a few suggestions from our organic collection of Touché coffees.


DEPENDING ON THE INFUSION METHOD

You're team espresso.

The beans must be soluble and textured, which will produce an optimal crema that will enhance the coffee's full-bodied flavor. This often requires a darker roast. In fact, the beans must be roasted beyond the “first crack” during cooking, known as “development.”

You're team filter coffee
For long-brewing methods such as pour-over, filter coffee makers, or French presses, it is often recommended to use medium to dark roast coffee beans, which release more pronounced and complex aromas. Unlike the espresso method, the roasting of this type of bean will have a more “dynamic” cooking curve before the first crack, thus exaggerating the volatile aromas of the coffee. Since filter coffee is more diluted than espresso, the goal is to stay as close as possible to the origin of the bean and develop less of its texture. Here, our Touché Goût de foudre coffee, light and delicate, is ideal for these slow brewing methods.

BASED ON TASTING NOTES

Tasting notes can be divided into three main categories: acidic, sweet, and bitter.

Do you prefer acidic notes? Choose a light to medium roast coffee bean that will bring out flavors of red berries or green apple. Our rich and balanced Touché Mère melade coffee, with its floral aroma, will delight palates seeking acidity.

If you prefer a mild coffee with nutty notes, go for a medium roast. Combining mildness and stability, our Touché Petit velours coffee tends towards spicy and nutty notes.

Finally, if you like your coffee with a hint of bitterness but still balanced, we recommend coffees with aromas of cocoa, dark chocolate, or even smoke, which are roasted darker. Our best-selling Touché Candeur nature coffee fits this profile perfectly, offering spicy, full-bodied notes with just the right amount of bitterness.

Please note that the relationship between tasting notes and roast level (color) may vary depending on the brewing method, the type of bean used, the roasting method, etc. Our recommendations are guidelines intended to help you make the best choice when selecting a bag of coffee. The best approach is to consider your preferences first and foremost, then experiment to refine your taste palette.


DEPENDING ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

This last section is purely educational and allows you to learn more about the main coffee-producing countries, renowned for the quality of their beans. Of course, there are many more, but here we offer you a summary. The coffee production of each of these countries is reflected in the taste characteristics of its coffee beans. In fact, two beans from the same country can deliver diametrically different flavors, because there are a multitude of “processes,” or ways of treating the fruit from its cherry state to its green coffee state. We often talk about methods or processes, implying the way in which it will be treated until it reaches its dry green bean state.

Let's take a concrete example. Washed Ethiopian coffees offer a floral aroma, while natural Ethiopian coffees offer wilder flavors and a creamier texture. Ethiopian coffees processed using the honey method, which combines the two previous methods, are also recognizable, bringing even more richness to the flavor profile.

In addition to the country of origin, it is important to consider the variety and altitude.

Arabica coffee offers great aromatic finesse and is mild. Robusta coffee is stronger with a more persistent taste in the mouth.

We can also pay attention to altitude. Coffee grown at high altitudes has harder, denser beans, offering greater aromatic potential than beans grown at lower altitudes.

This article provides guidance and advice to help you choose the right coffee bag based on three key factors: brewing method, tasting notes, and country of origin. The best advice we can give you is to try different coffees and brewing methods to find the combination of factors that appeals to you most. Enjoy your tasting!