The 15 Best Coffees in the World (beans, ground, and instant)

Coffee, a drink cherished for its rich flavor and energizing properties, has been a staple in cultures across the globe. With its historical significance and widespread popularity, coffee consistently ranks among the most consumed beverages worldwide. This guide delves into the best coffees from around the world, covering beans, ground, and instant varieties, with additional insights and details.

Coffee: A Global Phenomenon

The coffee industry significantly impacts numerous countries, both culturally and economically. The immense variety of coffees available makes selecting the right one challenging. This article aims to guide you through the world’s top coffee choices in various forms.

The World’s Top Coffee Selections

Choosing the best coffee can be subjective, as taste varies widely among individuals. Our list is based on extensive research and represents coffees that are generally acknowledged for their superior quality and favored flavors.

The 5 Best Coffee Beans in the World

  1. Panama Esmeralda Geisha Special (Hacienda La Esmeralda, Panama)
    • Origin: Panama
    • Variety: Arabica Geisha
    • Tasting Notes: Complex florals, lavender, dark chocolate hints
    • Roasting Degree: Medium
    • Unique Fact: Multiple award-winner; one of the most expensive coffees. Known for its exotic and delicious taste, Panama is renowned for its geisha coffee, with varied, unique flavors, including fruity to mango, pineapple, lemon, and jasmine.
  2. Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee (Volcanica Coffee, Jamaica)
    • Origin: Jamaica
    • Variety: Arabica
    • Tasting Notes: Fruity, vibrant acidity, sweet herbs
    • Roasting Degree: Medium
    • Specialty: Grown in the Caribbean’s highest mountains. Not a large producer, but known for high-quality beans and a brewing method mainly involving French press.
  3. Hawaii Kona Coffee (Koa Coffee, USA)
    • Origin: Hawaii, USA
    • Variety: Arabica
    • Tasting Notes: Sweet herbs, floral, nutty tones
    • Roasting Degree: Medium
    • Recognition: Best in America. Produced in Kona, Hawaii, with ideal climatic and geographical conditions.
  4. Kenya AA Coffee (Volcanica Coffee, Kenya)
    • Origin: Kenya
    • Variety: Arabica
    • Tasting Notes: Raspberry, blueberry, wine-like acidity
    • Roasting Degree: Light
    • Distinctive: “AA” grade for largest, highest quality beans. Ideal for drip, pour, or automatic coffee.
  5. Tanzania Peaberry Coffee (Volcanica Coffee, Tanzania)
    • Origin: Tanzania
    • Variety: Arabica Peaberry
    • Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, fruity hints
    • Roasting Degree: Medium
    • Feature: Rare Peaberry variety, manually harvested. Known for strong taste and perfect roasting degree.

The 5 Best Ground Coffees in the World

  1. Death Wish Ground Coffee (Death Wish Coffee, USA)
    • Origin: USA
    • Variety: Arabica and Robusta
    • Roasting Degree: Slow roasting
    • Fact: Known as the world’s strongest coffee, offering intense flavor and energy.
  2. Valhalla Java Ground Coffee (Death Wish Coffee, USA)
    • Origin: USA
    • Variety: Blend of Indonesian, Central, and South American beans
    • Tasting Notes: Chocolate, sweet, nutty notes
    • Specialty: Meticulously roasted and ground for a rich, rejuvenating flavor.
  3. Crema E Gusto Blend (Lavazza, Italy)
    • Origin: Italy
    • Variety: Arabica (Brazil) and Robusta (Africa, Indonesia)
    • Roasting Degree: Dark
    • Profile: Medium intensity, spicy aromatics. Ideal for espresso or related brews.
  4. Ground Medium Roast Coffee (Koffee Kult, USA)
    • Origin: USA
    • Variety: Arabica (Colombia and Brazil)
    • Roasting Degree: Medium
    • Attributes: Balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity. Versatile preparation methods including drip and French press.
  5. Classic Ground Espresso Coffee (Illy, Italy)
    • Origin: Italy
    • Variety: 100% Arabica
    • Roasting Degree: Classic
    • Features: Sweet, floral notes, chocolate, caramel. Known for its soft, harmonious cup and ideal balance.

The 5 Best Instant Coffees in the World

  1. Classic Natural Coffee (Nescafé, Spain)
    • Origin: Spain
    • Variety: Arabica and Robusta
    • Specialty: Fresh-ground taste, versatile for drinking alone or with milk.
  2. BioCoffee (NaturGreen, Spain)
    • Origin: Spain
    • Variety: Arabica and Robusta (Peru, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, Mexico)
    • Benefits: Organic, gluten-free, sugar-free. Noted for its aroma and texture.
  3. Crème Express Coffee (Marcilla, Spain)
    • Origin: Spain
    • Profile: Mild, full-bodied, naturally processed. Known for its quality guarantee.
  4. Gourmet Coffee (Organo Gold, Canada)
    • Origin: Canada
    • Enhancement: Infused with Ganoderma lucidum for additional flavor and health benefits.
    • Flavor: Vigorous yet mild, easy to make and transport.
  5. Freeze-dried Juan Valdez Coffee (Colombia)
    • Origin: Colombia
    • Variety: 100% Colombian Arabica
    • Process: Freeze-dried to preserve natural flavor. Offers an authentic taste despite being instant.

Each of these coffees represents the pinnacle of coffee craftsmanship and flavor. Whether you prefer beans, ground, or instant coffee, there is something here to satisfy every palate. Explore these top picks to find your perfect cup!