Coffee is a passport to the world’s flavours. Whether you’re a cappuccino, latte, or espresso enthusiast, the taste of coffee beans varies by their country of origin, offering a unique glimpse into distant lands and allowing your senses to travel without leaving home.
James Kilbourn, owner of Stereo Coffee Roasting, began his coffee journey in 2011 with a dream of roasting professionally. After training at the London School of Coffee in 2012, he started roasting in 2013 and opened his first café in 2014. Who better to guide us through the story of coffee?
“When I entered the coffee industry, I realised how complex and fascinating coffee really is,” he says. “After years of drinking it without much thought, I began appreciating how origin, variety, roasting, and brewing all shape flavour. Roasting felt like the vital link between seed and final cup, and I wanted to be part of that process.”
From the outset, James was driven to share his passion for coffee, helping others see it as more than just a morning boost.
What makes coffee beans from different regions unique? According to James, quite a lot. “Like wine, coffee’s flavour depends on its terroir – soil, altitude, and climate,” he explains. “African coffees are often bright, fruity, and floral; Latin American coffees lean towards chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes, while Asian coffees are typically earthy, spicy, or full-bodied.”
While there’s no single “best” coffee origin, James has a soft spot for Ethiopian beans for their complexity and fruitiness, and he appreciates the balance and sweetness of Central American varieties. “The beauty of coffee is that there’s something for every palate.”
When travelling, James seeks out local roasters and cafés to explore origins, processes, and roasting styles, describing it as the best way to learn. “Visiting a producing country is still on my bucket list,” he says. “Meeting farmers, walking the farms, and tasting coffee at its source would be an incredible experience.”
For a coffee-inspired travel adventure, James recommends exploring local coffee farms. “South Africa has farms in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal worth visiting. Further afield, Ethiopia offers the birthplace of coffee and a rich cultural tradition, Brazil showcases large-scale modern production, and East Africa – particularly Kenya and Uganda – produces some of the world’s most vibrant coffees.”
He encourages coffee lovers to taste different beans side by side to appreciate their nuances. “At Stereo, we host cuppings where people compare origins directly, but you can do this at home too. Brew a Brazilian and an Ethiopian using the same method, then sip between them – the contrast is striking and eye-opening.”
How to make the perfect cup
The perfect cup of coffee strikes a balance of sweetness, acidity, body, and a hint of bitterness, all in harmony. “The perfect cup leaves you satisfied and wanting another sip – never disappointed,” says James.
Follow these guidelines for a consistently excellent brew:
- Start with freshly roasted beans.
- Grind beans just before brewing.
- Use clean water, and get the coffee-to-water ratio right.
James’s insider tips:
- Freshness is key – grind only what you need.
- Keep it simple; don’t overcomplicate the process.
- Clean water and equipment make a bigger difference than most realise.
“Whether it’s pour-over or espresso, consistency and attention to detail are what make it perfect,” James advises.
Text: Warren Hawkins Photographs: Zita Films
