A Guide by Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters
The Difference Between Different Kinds of Coffee Beans — A Guide by Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters
It all starts with one simple thing — the type of coffee bean.
At Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, we believe that understanding your beans is the first step to truly appreciating your cup. So, let’s break it down.
1. The Four Main Types of Coffee Beans
While there are over 100 species of coffee plants, four dominate the global market — Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each has its own unique story, flavor, and growing region.
Arabica (Coffea Arabica) – The Connoisseur’s Choice
● Flavor Profile: Smooth, aromatic, slightly acidic, with notes of fruit, chocolate, or nuts.
● Caffeine Content: Lower (about 1.2%)
● Where It Grows: High altitudes in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
● Why It’s Special: Arabica beans are delicate, hand-picked, and celebrated for their complex flavors. Most specialty coffees — including many from Dancing Goat — are crafted using 100% Arabica beans.
🟤 Best for those who enjoy a balanced, refined cup with layered aromas.
Robusta (Coffea Canephora) – The Bold and Strong One
● Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, with a bitter kick and heavier body.
● Caffeine Content: Almost double that of Arabica (around 2.2%).
● Where It Grows: Lower altitudes in Africa and Southeast Asia.
● Why It’s Special: Its high caffeine and strong taste make it ideal for espresso blends and instant coffee.
🟤 Perfect for those who love intensity and crema in their cup.
Liberica – The Rarest Bean
● Flavor Profile: Smoky, floral, and fruity with a distinct woody aroma.
● Caffeine Content: Moderate.
● Where It Grows: West Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia.
● Why It’s Special: Harder to find, but prized for its unique, full-bodied taste that stands out from the rest.
🟤 For adventurous drinkers who like bold, unconventional flavors.
Excelsa – The Flavor Enhancer
● Flavor Profile: Tart, fruity, and complex — adds depth and contrast to blends.
● Caffeine Content: Similar to Arabica.
● Where It Grows: Southeast Asia, mainly in the Philippines and Vietnam.
● Why It’s Special: Excelsa beans are often used to give blends a mysterious, fruity edge.
🟤 For coffee lovers who enjoy complexity and layered acidity.
2. How Bean Type Affects Your Cup
● Taste: Arabica brings sweetness and acidity, Robusta brings bitterness and strength.
● Aroma: Arabica is floral and nutty; Robusta is earthy and bold.
● Texture: Arabica gives a silky mouthfeel; Robusta feels heavier.
● Caffeine: More caffeine = more bitterness.
● Price: Arabica costs more due to its delicate cultivation and refined flavor.
3. Dancing Goat’s Perspective
At Dancing Goat Coffee Roasters, we carefully source and roast beans that highlight their natural character.
Our goal isn’t just to serve coffee — it’s to help you taste the story behind every bean.
For the ones who love a smooth Arabica pour-over or a punchy espresso, knowing your beans lets you appreciate each sip even more deeply.
Because every great cup starts with the right bean — and a little bit of dancing goat magic.
Final Sip
Next time you brew your coffee, pause for a second.
Ask yourself — what kind of bean am I drinking?
Once you know that, you’ll never look at your morning cup the same way again.