Though Colombia, is more famous it is second in volume and it is a sweet and light pleasure that comes in 'excelso' and 'supremo' flavors. Coffees made from Narino or Popayan are the best in quality.
Apart these two big names in coffee production theres a world of different flavors that have their own specific colors too, only adding to the exhaustive list.
Mexico retains its pride of place to better known South or Central American plantations. The variety of small beans grown here produce a soft body and light acidity, producing a mellow flavor and taste. Cuba, with its extremely strong cafe cubano - tastes like tequila competing with Spanish cousins in the shock.
As the fourth largest producer of good coffee, Indonesia is known for its mature coffees. The warm, damp climate churns out a drink with deep body and less acidity.
Not to be cowed by its more famous neighbor, Malaysia brews its coffee in a muslin bag, used to filter grounds, producing a strong cuppa. Though low on grade Liberica should be experienced.
The small Thailand also punches in with a blend touched with chicory served with condensed milk and ice, of course for the breed that enjoys its coffee not warm.
Think of Mauna Loa and Kona is aromatic, sweet and having a medium body. On the other hand, Sumatra's Java is richly flavored. Kenya boasts of its beanya, cultivated at seventeen thousand feet high deep and smooth, and having a delicate aftertaste that beats all words!
The Europeans don't take second place to anybody. The cafe au lait - half and half milk and coffee concoction is a hot favorite in France. Austria still cherishes the two-thirds dark, one-third regular traditional Viennese blend for generations now.
In 1901 Thanks to Luigi Bezzera and later M. Cremonesi in 1938, Italian espressos are to die for. They contain less caffeine compared to others, you can have two and without feeling guilty. Those looking for something lighter, can try out the weaker cappuccino and latte.
The term "gourmet coffee" not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that surrounds that type of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour... to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?
