Choosing the right coffee for you: A York Emporium guide

Selecting the perfect coffee shouldn’t feel like deciphering an ancient manuscript under candlelight, quill in hand. At York Emporium, we believe in joyous discovery.

Whether you long for a bold, chocolatey coffee or a light, floral brew, the secret lies in understanding flavours, roast levels, and brewing methods, and we’re here to provide all the information you need to embark on a journey to find the right coffee for you!

Step 1: Pick your flavour profile

Before you worry about the grind size or brew method, decide what flavours excite you:

Rich & Chocolatey: Look for darker roasts with deep caramel, chocolatey, or nutty undertones. (Try: The Italian – Dark Chocolate | Hazelnut)
Fruit & Berry: Prefer something bright and lively? Go for light roasts with fruity notes. (Try: Brazil Fermentado – Papaya | Mango | Vanilla)
Bold & Earthy: If you enjoy coffee with an edge, full-bodied blends with spice or smoky hints are your go-to. (Try: The Excelso – Chocolate | Honey | Spices)

Step 2: Choose the Right Roast Level

Light Roast:

Flavour Profile: Preserves the bean's original flavours, often resulting in bright, acidic notes with floral or fruity undertones. (Try: House Espresso – Chocolate | Cherry | Dates | Fudge)

Best For: Highlighting unique characteristics of high-quality beans; ideal for pour-over or drip brewing methods.

Medium Roast:

Flavour Profile: Balances the bean's inherent flavours with subtle caramelisation from roasting, offering a harmonious blend of acidity and body. (Try: St. Leonard’s Hospice – Dates | Dark Chocolate | Salted Caramel)

Best For: Those seeking a balanced flavour; versatile across various brewing methods.

Dark Roast:

Flavour Profile: Dominated by deep caramelisation, producing bold, robust flavours with pronounced bitterness and smoky, chocolatey, or nutty notes. (Try: The Terrence (House Brazil) – Hazelnut | Milk Chocolate | Orange)

Best For: Fans of strong, intense flavours; pairs well with milk or cream; suitable for espresso and stovetop brewing.

Step 3: Match your brewing method

Your coffee experience changes based on how you brew it. Here’s what works best:

Cafetiere / French Press: Best for full-bodied and smooth coffee.
Espresso Machine: If you love intense, concentrated flavour with crema.
Filter / Pour-Over: Great for highlighting bright, complex flavours.
Stovetop: Ideal for rich, strong, Italian-style coffee.

(Bonus Tip: If you add milk, go for a medium-dark roast to maintain boldness!)

Step 4: Go for Fresh, Ethically Sourced Beans

The best coffee doesn’t just happen by accident. It starts, rather predictably, with really good beans. And at York Emporium, we take our beans very seriously indeed.

Here’s what to look for:

Fresh roast dates – Our beans don’t loiter about on supermarket shelves gathering dust. We roast fresh and ship fast, so what you get is vibrant, flavourful, and very much alive. Because no one wants a cup that tastes like the back of the cupboard.
Sustainable sourcing – A fair few of our coffees come with Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance credentials, meaning they’re as kind to the planet and people as they are to your palate. It’s coffee that tastes good and does good - what a lovely combination!
Grind Options Galore – Whether you’re a wholebean lover, an espresso aficionado, or partial to a trusty cafetière, we’ve got a grind that suits your kit.

The journey to the perfect brew begins with the right beans, the right ethos, and a sprinkle of know-how. And possibly a dressing gown, depending on how early it is.

Your coffee match awaits!

Whether you’re dipping a tentative toe into the world of speciality coffee or gallivanting through it like a caffeinated Indiana Jones, remember this: the best coffee is the one that makes you smile with every sip. At York Emporium, we’re here to help you find your perfect match, and maybe introduce you to a few unexpected favourites along the way.

Now go forth, dear coffee adventurer, brew boldly, sip splendidly, and never settle for dull beans again.