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Black is the perfect way to enjoy the delicious drink that is coffee. If you leave out the sugar and creamer then all the health benefits that come from drinking coffee are not canceled out. Black coffee is packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by stress.
If you want your coffee to be bursting with so much flavor that additives are not necessary then start with the coffee beans. Arabica beans are high-quality coffee beans that only grow at high altitudes. They are rich in delicate flavor notes and make a delicious cup of black coffee. By contrast, robusta beans are cheaper to buy and grow in more regions but tend to have more bitter flavor notes.
Arabica coffee may be the best beans to choose but other factors also influence the flavor of your fresh coffee. The brewing method is the next major consideration and unless you choose one to suit your tastes you’re unlikely to enjoy your coffee black.
The best coffee to drink black comes down to your own specific taste preferences. If you’re unsure then choose a medium roast coffee and brew it with a drip coffee maker. Pour it into your favorite mug and savor that delicious aroma.
The Best Coffee to Drink Black
- 1. Top Choice – Koffee Kult Dark Roast Whole Coffee Beans
- 2. Runner Up – Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee, Yirgacheffe Region
- 3. Premium Choice – Farm-fresh: 100% Kona Coffee – Dark Roast
- 4. Best Asian Coffee – Copper Moon Sumatra Blend
- 5. Best African Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee, Kenya AA
- 6. Best South American Coffee – Don Francisco’s 100% Colombia Supremo
- 7. Best Single Origin – Dark Roast Brazil Coffee
- 8. Best Central American Coffee – illy Arabica Selections Guatemala Whole Bean Coffee
- 9. Best Decaf Option – Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Swiss Water Decaf Coffee Ground
- 10. Best For Single Serve Coffee Makers – Starbucks Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods
How The Brew Method Influences Flavor
The way you brew your coffee beans into the magical liquid can vastly influence the coffee taste. Here are some of the most common brew methods and how they can affect your morning cup of joe.
French Press
The french press brewing method is a total immersion technique. It allows coarsely ground coffee to sit submerged in hot water for 4 minutes before a plunger is pressed to separate the coffee grounds away from the liquid. The plunger has a mesh filter on it so whilst it removes the grounds, it allows oils and micro sediment to remain in the coffee. This gives the coffee a thick texture and a very bold, rich, and dark taste. This coffee maker works well with medium to dark roast coffee and is a good one if you like your coffee to really kick.
Pour Over/Drip Coffee
Pour-over coffee makers work in a similar manner to drip coffee machines as drip machines are pretty much just an automated version. They work by trickling hot water over coffee grounds as they sit in a funnel and filter paper. They allow the coffee grounds to expand and release a full profile of flavor but the paper filter removes all sediment and some coffee oils. This gives a cup of coffee that’s very smooth in texture and full of flavor. You can use any kind of coffee with a pour-over setup but it really showcases light roast beans well. It can enhance the subtle fruity and floral flavors so is a great option for first-time coffee drinkers.
Cold Brew
If you struggle to find the best-tasting type of coffee for your needs then consider cold brew. This method uses cold water to slowly extract the coffee flavors. Coarsely ground coffee is added to cold water and allowed to sit for 12 hours or more before the grounds are removed from the liquid. The result is a full-bodied, sweet cup of coffee that’s extremely low acidity. This is great for anyone who enjoys a sweeter flavor profile or even those with a sensitive stomach.
Espresso
An espresso machine uses very high pressure to extra a rich and full flavor. It creates a thick, concentrated shot of coffee that’s very rich in flavor. The coffee has the consistency of melted honey and the rich taste lingers on your taste buds with an intense aftertaste. A high-quality espresso has a thick layer of crema on top and this is formed by natural fats found in the coffee beans. Espresso is a favorite among coffee lovers but a lot of people modify it by adding hot water to make an americano or steamed milk to give a latte or similar. It’s definitely not a drink for the faint of heart.
Whole Bean Coffee vs Ground Coffee
The best way to get the most flavor from your cup of coffee is to buy whole coffee beans fresh from the coffee roasters and grind them up at home. Like most other food types, coffee beans don’t stay ultra fresh forever and you get the most flavor out of them around 1-2 weeks after roasting. It’s important to use a burr grinder as this ensures you get an even grind for your chosen brew method. Only grind the amount of coffee you wish to use for each batch as coffee starts to lose flavor as soon as it’s ground up.
Roast Levels
Light Roast
Lighter roasts have been removed from the roaster early in the roasting process so hold onto more moisture. They are light brown in color, large, and rounded. They are dry to the touch and higher in caffeine and acidity compared to dark roasts. The acid adds more complex flavor notes like delicate fruit and floral tones.
Medium Roast
Medium roast coffee beans have been left in the roaster a bit longer than light roast beans so the acids start to break down and more nutty flavors develop. Medium roast beans are often known for their chocolatey flavor notes and are very smooth and easy to drink. Medium roast coffee suits most brew methods.
Dark Roast
If you leave coffee beans in the roaster past the ‘second crack’ phase they start to ooze their oils over the surface of the beans. The beans have cracks on their surface and are shiny due to the oils. The sugars in the beans caramelize to give rich flavors of dark chocolate, woody, and burnt caramel notes. These beans are intense in single-note flavors and suit french press, cold brew, and espresso brewing.
Coffee Brands That are Best to Drink Black
1. Top Choice – Koffee Kult Dark Roast Whole Coffee Beans
Brand: Koffee Kult
Roast: Dark Roast
Flavor Notes: Smooth Cinnamon and Cocoa
More Info
- 100% Arabica
- Blend from Brazil, Colombia, and Sumatra
- Artisan Roasted in Florida
2. Runner Up – Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee, Yirgacheffe Region
Brand: Volcanica
Roast: Light/Medium Roast
Flavor Notes: Lemon, Blueberry, and Blackberry
More Info
- Organically Grown in Ethiopia
- Fair Trade
- Kosher
3. Premium Choice – Farm-fresh: 100% Kona Coffee – Dark Roast
Brand: Blue Horse Coffee
Roast: Dark Roast
Flavor Notes: Bittersweet Chocolate and Caramel
More Info
- Shade-grown and Handpicked
- 100% Hawaii Kona Beans
- Sundried
4. Best Asian Coffee – Copper Moon Sumatra Blend
Brand: Copper Moon
Roast: Dark Roast
Flavor Notes: Roasted Almond, Smokey, Earthy Notes
More Info
- Single Origin Coffee Beans
- 100% Arabica
- Certified Kosher
5. Best African Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee, Kenya AA
Brand: Fresh Roasted Coffee
Roast: Medium – Dark
Flavor Notes: Peach Blossom, Orange Zest, Black Tea
More Info
- Single Origin from Kenya
- Bold-Bodied
- Environmentally Friendly Roasting
6. Best South American Coffee – Don Francisco’s 100% Colombia Supremo
Brand: Don Francisco
Roast: Medium Roast
Flavor Notes: Sweet Floral and Winey Aroma
More Info
- 100% Arabica
- Well Balanced Flavor
- Made with the Finest Colombian Coffee
7. Best Single Origin – Dark Roast Brazil Coffee
Brand: Coffeeland
Roast: Dark Roast
Flavor Notes: Toffee, Milk Chocolate, Dark Caramel
More Info
- Low Acidity
- 100% Arabica
- Single Origin
8. Best Central American Coffee – illy Arabica Selections Guatemala Whole Bean Coffee
Brand: Illy
Roast: Medium
Flavor Notes: Rich Chocolate
More Info
- Central American Single Origin
- Arabica Coffee
- Pressurized Packaging
9. Best Decaf Option – Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Swiss Water Decaf Coffee Ground
Brand: Lifeboost Coffee
Roast: Medium
Flavor Notes: Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut
More Info
- Certified Organic
- Central American Beans
- Naturally Decaffeinated
10. Best For Single Serve Coffee Makers – Starbucks Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods
Brand: Starbucks
Roast: Medium
Flavor Notes: Cocoa and Rich Praline
More Info
- Latin American Blend
- Coffee Shop Taste in a K-Cup Pod
- Ethically Sourced
Final Thoughts
If you fancy yourself a barista or you just love a simple cup of coffee every morning then you’re probably well aware of the benefits that come with enjoying coffee black. The best way to enjoy coffee black is to choose beans that suit your palate, roast them to the darkness you enjoy best and brew them to showcase the flavor profile you prefer most. Sit back, relax and enjoy your cup of java. You deserve it!
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