What to Expect From Cuban Coffee Beans
The best Cuban coffee beans have a robust, bold flavor, thick texture, and intense aroma. When you brew the coffee beans, they produce a thick, creamy texture and a sweet taste. After preparing Cuban coffee, you can serve it in small shots called “cafecitos” and add a small amount of sugar. Generally, if you prefer rich coffee, Cuban coffee beans are the real deal!
Your Cuban Coffee Bean Shopping Guide
If you desire to make bold and flavorful coffee, then you need to select the best Cuban coffee beans. On the contrary, shopping for the perfect coffee beans can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to specialty coffee. In a real sense, there are some vital aspects that you need to pay attention to.
Therefore, this Cuban coffee bean shopping guide will help you understand Cuban coffee beans. From understanding the different roast levels to high-quality beans, this guide will also equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions when purchasing coffee beans from Cuba. So, before starting your search, check out these factors:
Roast
The roast level tops the list of the most important things to consider when purchasing Cuban coffee beans. Coffee enthusiasts typically roast Cuban coffee to a medium or dark roast, bringing out their rich, bold flavor. However, the specific roast level comes down to personal taste preferences.
For instance, a medium roast may suit people who love a smoother, less bitter taste. On the other hand, a dark roast may be the way to go for those who crave a robust flavor. Generally, it’s wise to note that the longer you roast a coffee bean, the more it loses its original flavor profile, so try and balance out everything.
Texture
Another vital factor to consider is the texture of the coffee beans. Cuban coffee beans have a thick, creamy texture, which is a result of the brewing method. So, when shopping for Cuban coffee, look for smooth, even-textured beans.
While doing this, try to check visible defects or inconsistencies since the texture of the beans can significantly impact the final cup of coffee. So, go for beans that farmers have processed and stored for quality purposes.
Origin
Besides the roast and texture, did you know that origin is critical when selecting the best coffee beans? Arguably, Cuban coffee beans come from the mountainous regions of Cuba. Farmers harvest the beans by hand and then process them using traditional methods to preserve their original flavor profile. If you want something original, check on the origin.
Cost
Cost is another vital factor to include when selecting Cuban beans. The cost of Cuban coffee beans varies depending on quality, demand, and shipping costs. Sometimes, opting for the cheapest option can be tempting, but the results might be unpleasant.
For this reason, it’s essential to remember that high-quality beans will generally cost more. However, investing in high-quality beans will ultimately result in a better cup of coffee and a more satisfying coffee-drinking experience.
Quality
Closing the list of the essential aspects to put in mind while shopping for Cuban coffee beans is quality. In this case, the quality of Cuban coffee beans depends on the altitude at which they grow, the type of soil, and the level of care taken during harvesting and processing.
For better results, look for beans that undergo careful processing for a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee. Still, on quality, check the roast level and if they have been ethically sourced and grown in sustainable environments.
Reasons to Trust Coffee Snobs’ Reviews
Coffee Snobs care deeply about different types of coffee. We focus on quality and taste, meaning we can tell the difference in almost all kinds of coffee. For this reason, people tend to trust our reviews. Here are the reasons why:
Experience: It’s wise to say that you can trust Coffee Snobs’ reviews because we have likely tried different varieties of coffee. For this reason, we have a deeper understanding of what makes a great cup of coffee.
Professionalism: There’s no reason to doubt Coffee Snobs’ reviews since we have a team of professionals in the coffee industry. For example, our team has expertise and knowledge hence a reliable source for coffee reviews.
Attention to detail: We pay attention to minor aspects of coffee. Such things include; roast level, origin, and brewing method. For this reason, you can trust our reviews since we can tell the flavor and aroma that others may not notice.
Objectivity: We separate our personal preferences from the quality of the coffee, meaning that our reviews are objective and not influenced by personal bias.
Trustworthiness: We have a reputation for being trustworthy in coffee reviews because we take our role as coffee critics seriously.
Passion: Since we are passionate about coffee, our reviews come from genuine interest and love for the product. This aspect is a great advantage since it’s about honest opinions rather than biases.
Curiosity: We are always curious about trying new types of coffee and exploring different flavor profiles, meaning we are always looking for new and exciting coffee varieties for better experiences.
An Overview of the Top Brands
- Supreme by Bustelo Espresso Style Ground Coffee – Best overall
- Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee - Café Cubano Coffee Roast – Best organic coffee
- Cafe La Llave Espresso Dark Roast Coffee – Best dark roast coffee
- Naviera Cuban Coffee Cafe Modelo Espresso Blend – Best Cuban coffee with a unique aroma
- Chock Full o'Nuts Donut Shop Roast Ground Coffee, Light Roast - Arabica Coffee Beans – Best smooth flavored coffee for breakfast
- No products found. – Best caffeinated Arabica Coffee
Reviewing the Best Cuban Coffee Beans
For coffee enthusiasts, making the best-tasting coffee is essential. However, this comes down to selecting quality Cuban coffee beans.
While getting the best is not a walk in the park, we have come through with our review of the best Cuban coffee beans to help you make the perfect selection and prepare the best coffee ever. With an understanding of Cuban coffee, let’s talk about the best brands out there!
Supreme by Bustelo Espresso Style Ground Coffee – Best Overall
Product Details
Brand: Cafe Bustelo
Item form: Ground
Weight: 11.04 ounces (0.3 kilograms)
Type: Espresso
Packaging information: Packet
Caffeine content: Caffeinated
Roast level: Dark-roast
General Description
Supreme by Bustelo Espresso Style Ground Coffee is the perfect epitome of a tasty drink with a blend of flavors. It contains coarse ground espresso-style dark roast coffee blended with roasted Arabica coffee beans.
The roasted whole Arabica coffee beans create a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee. Additionally, it is perfect for newbies among Cuban espresso brands. You can serve the coffee hot or over ice when it is ready.
Pros
- It has a blend of flavors hence a nice taste
Cons
- A bit pricey
Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee - Café Cubano Coffee Roast – Best Organic Coffee
Product Details
Brand: Mayorga
Item form: Whole bean
Weight: 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms)
Type: Café Cubano roast
Packaging information: Packet
Caffeine content: Caffeinated
Roast Level: Dark-roast
General Description
Mayorga Dark Roast Coffee packs intense flavors with a nice dark crema and a smooth, bold finish. This flavor profile hints at vanilla and syrupy smokiness, making it a coffee you may want to drink black.
In addition to its delicious flavor profile, a Roastmaster is typically responsible for crafting roasted coffees from Peru, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Its unique flavor profile makes this Cuban-style roast a Mayorga favorite.
Therefore, you can start your day by enjoying the freshness of this organic coffee bean. Furthermore, this is perfect for coffee lovers who prefer the smoothest, freshest, and most flavorful coffee experience.
Since it undergoes a slow-roasting process to craft-roast the coffee in small batches, it gives a distinct flavor. Lastly, it won’t compromise your health since it is safe for consumption and quality coffee doesn’t have additives.
Pros
- Organic, thus safe to drink
- It has a smooth finish, hence easy to drink
Cons
- Some Amazon customers complain that it lacks a great finish.
Cafe La Llave Espresso Dark Roast Coffee – Best Dark Roast Coffee
Product Details
Brand: Cafe La Llave
Item form: Powder
Weight: 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms)
Type: Espresso
Packaging information: Packet
Caffeine content: Caffeinated
Roast level: Dark-roast
General Description
If you are looking for coffee beans with true Cuban coffee industry roots, try Cafe La Llave Espresso Dark Roast Coffee, a favorite for Latin espresso lovers.
Being among the best Cuban coffee brands, this well-balanced dark roast coffee blend has more than a hint of sweetness and a great chocolate aroma.
It requires little work; you can use it in any coffee or espresso maker you have on hand. Depending on desired strength, it’ll make a lovely drink from your espresso machine.
Furthermore, if that’s what you want, the fantastic flavor is strong enough, either way, to go well with a bit of milk and sugar.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- It has a smoky after-taste, not suitable for beginners.
Naviera Cuban Coffee Cafe Modelo Espresso Blend – Best Cuban Coffee With a Unique Aroma
Product Details
Brand: Naviera
Item form: Ground
Weight: 8 ounces (227 grams)
Type: Espresso
Caffeine content: Caffeinated
Package information: Bag
General Description
As the best espresso-roasted coffee, Naviera Cuban Coffee Cafe Modelo Espresso Blend is the perfect coffee to start your day. This coffee contains Cuban ground beans mixed with ground chicory root, resulting in a nutty, dark flavor with a unique aroma. If you love a rich flavor, try this coffee.
Pros
- As one of the best Cuban espresso brands, it has a nice taste
- Smooth, leaving a clean taste
Cons
- A bit expensive
Chock Full o'Nuts Donut Shop Roast Ground Coffee, Light Roast - Arabica Coffee Beans – Best Smooth Flavored Coffee for Breakfast
Product Details
Brand: Chock Full o’ Nuts
Item form: Ground
Weight: 10 ounces (0.3 kilograms)
Flavor: Donut shop, original roast
Packaging information: Tin
Caffeine content: Decaffeinated
Roast level: Light-roast
General Description
Chock Full o’Nuts Donut Shop Roast Ground Coffee, Light Roast – Arabica Coffee Beans contains a rich blend of coffee beans roasted to perfection. The best part is that each cup delivers a delicious flavor and pleasant aroma.
Full of flavor and smooth, you can pair it with your favorite morning treat to start your day. With just one scoop, you’ll brew a cup of heavenly coffee. Furthermore, it is Orthodox Union Certified Kosher and gluten-free. It comes in a classic stainless steel, taxicab yellow, and black tin.
Pros
- Complex flavor profile, hence a pleasant aftertaste
Cons
- Not suitable for those who want a robust taste since it’s between robust and weak.
No products found. – Best Caffeinated Arabica Coffee
No products found.
Product Details
Brand: Pilon
Item form: Ground
Weight: 1.85 pounds (0.8 kilograms)
Type: Espresso
Packaging information: Packet
Caffeine content: Caffeinated
General Description
Creamy, robust, and biting, Pilon Espresso 100% Arabica Coffee packs a real punch. Pilon uses 100% arabica beans in this whole-bean coffee. It also has a creamy consistency. Overall, this coffee has everything that a coffee enthusiast might look for.
Furthermore, if you’re taking it as an espresso shot, you’ll notice a bitter taste in your mouth right after, but it looks and smells excellent. The intense flavor applies to Cuban drinks, but you can add traditional sugar and milk for a better taste.
Pros
- It pairs perfectly with sugar and milk
- Affordable
Cons
- Bitter after-taste
Some Reader Questions Answered
Cuban coffee has much to offer: from flavor to taste. For this reason, some people end up with a lot of questions. If this is you, check out some answers to these frequently asked questions:
Q: What are the different types of Cuban coffee?
A: Cuban coffee has a rich flavor and bold character. It comes in different types, such as; Café Cubano, Café con Leche, Colada, Cortadito, Café Bombón, and Café Americano.
Q: What is the most robust Cuban coffee?
A: The strongest Cuban coffee is Café Cubano, also known as Cuban espresso. It comes from brewing finely ground dark roasted coffee beans under high pressure to create a strong shot of espresso. You can sweeten it with demerara sugar to add a sweet and caramelized flavor.
Q: Is Cuban coffee good?
A: Yes, coffee from Cuba is very good thanks to its bold, strong, and full-bodied flavor, with sweet undertones from adding sugar or sweetened condensed milk. It is also known for its thick and creamy texture, which comes from brewing the coffee under high pressure and using a coffee pot called a “cafetera.”
Q: Why is Cuban coffee so strong?
A: Coffee from Cuba has a strong and bold flavor because you can prepare it with dark roasted coffee beans. Dark roasted coffee beans also contain less caffeine than lighter roasts, but because people brew them under high pressure, it extracts more caffeine from the beans, resulting in a more robust coffee.
Q: How to drink Cuban coffee?
A: There are various ways of drinking coffee from Cuba. You can add sugar milk or drink it boldly.
Q: Do you have some background info on Cuban coffee?
A: Cuban coffee has a rich history from the 18th century. Coffee quickly became an essential part of Cuban culture and economy, and by the early 19th century, coffee plantations had spread throughout the country.
People served Cuban coffee in small, strong shots called “cafecitos” or “coladas.” They also sweetened it with sugar or sweetened condensed milk, adding a sweet and caramelized flavor to the coffee.
Today, Cuban coffee has become an essential part of Cuban culture. It is also a popular ingredient in various coffee-based cocktails. On the contrary, political and economic factors have made finding authentic Cuban coffee outside Cuba difficult.
Q: How is coffee from Cuba made?
A: To make Cuban coffee, add water and coffee, then heat the cafeteria over medium heat. When the coffee is ready, serve it in your favorite cup and enjoy. For a creamier taste, add a splash of milk or cream.
One Last Thing to Remember
There you go! A quick guide and review of the Cuban coffee beans. Of the different types of Cuban coffee, Supreme by Bustelo Espresso Style Ground Coffee is the best because it contains coarse ground espresso-style dark roast coffee blended with roasted Arabica coffee beans.
You can give it a try or select one from the list. In the end, you’ll get the one that fits your needs. So, let’s get into the kitchen, prepare a tasty cup of Cuban coffee, and share it with friends and family.
