Discover the Best Varieties of Coffee Bean and Their Flavors

In the world of coffee, there are a huge number of varieties of coffee bean around the world. Each of them has a unique taste and characteristics that set them apart from each other. These unique coffee beans are the pillars of the modern-day coffee scene that we all adore and love today. 

In the world today, there are currently two major species that build the modern-day coffee industry. The two species are C. arabica and C. canephora, or more well known as C. Robusta. These two species are the ones that you will find in your regular coffee shop or instant coffee, although there are other species or crossbreads that you can find in specialty stores. Therefore, in this article, we are going to explore all the varieties of coffee beans, from the popular to the most unique ones that will surprise you. 

How many varieties of coffee bean are there?

There are hundreds of varieties of coffee bean found across the globe, each with distinct flavors, aromas, and growing conditions. While Arabica and Robusta remain the most widely consumed, many lesser-known species and carefully developed hybrids exist. All of this contributes to the rich diversity of the coffee world. Let’s explore some of the most notable types of coffee beans you may encounter.

• Gayo Arabica
• Java Arabica 
• Kopi Luwak
• Mandheling Arabica
• Lampung Robusta
• Toraja Arabica
• Timor Arabusta
• Liberica
• Bourbon
• Catura

These are some of the varieties of coffee bean that showcase just how diverse and exciting the coffee world is. From regional treasures like Gayo and Toraja to globally recognized cultivars such as Bourbon and Caturra. Each bean carries its own story in flavor and origin. Exploring these varieties broadens your taste but also deepens your appreciation for the craft and culture behind every cup. If you are interested in buying any of the beans, you can look at our selection of Indonesian coffee beans catalog.

Coffee bean varieties explained

Getting to know these varieties of coffee beans will give you the best knowledge of the notes and flavor profile. Thus, knowing all of this, you will be able to make the best coffee with a unique taste and feeling. Therefore, in this part of the article, we are going to explore in depth on each coffee types above to make sure you have the best understanding of those beans.

Gayo Arabica Coffee

Gayo Arabica Coffee originates from the Gayo Highlands in northern Sumatra, Indonesia. It was first introduced by the Dutch in the 1930s. Over time, this coffee became vital to the region’s economy, with over 60,000 farmers, cooperatives, and traders involved. The Gayo Arabica Coffee Producers Association (MPKG) unites them. The community ensures strict quality control, sourcing and processing red cherries in the highlands to maintain premium standards.

Renowned for its smooth aftertaste, fine aroma, and lack of bitterness, Gayo Arabica is prized by connoisseurs. It offers light earthy tones, full body, mild acidity, and balanced notes of spice, fruit, and sweetness. Its unique character, shaped by the Gayo Highlands’ climate and traditions, earned global recognition as one of Indonesia’s finest specialty coffees.

Java Arabica Coffee

Java Arabica coffee grows mainly on the Ijen Plateau in East Java and uses a washed processing method. It has a smooth body, bright acidity, and flavors of nuts, malt, chocolate, and subtle spice. The best beans come from historic estates like Djampit, Blawan, Pancoer, and Kayumas. Despite coffee rust in the 1880s, Java retained its reputation for premium Arabica coffees.

Only about 10% of Indonesia’s coffee is Arabica, but Java’s beans rank among the world’s finest. Some undergo “monsooning,” where moist air increases body and sweetness while reducing acidity. Thus, Java also contributes to the classic Mocha-Java blend, treasured worldwide.

Luwak Coffee

Kopi Luwak, the world’s most exclusive varieties of coffe bean in the world, is made from beans partially digested by wild, free-roaming civets. This enzymatic process reduces acidity and enhances flavor, producing smooth, earthy, and sweet notes. At Kaya Kopi, civets live cage-free, ensuring high-quality beans. Thorough cleaning and roasting make Kopi Luwak safe, ethical, and exceptionally flavorful.

Mandheling Arabica Coffee

Sumatra Mandheling coffee, varieties of coffee bean is a type of bean that is grown in the Batak region of Sumatra, and is renowned for its smooth body and rich, earthy flavor with notes of chocolate, licorice, herbs, and spice. Cultivated in volcanic soil and processed by the wet-hulled method, it has low acidity and full body, excelling in medium to dark roasts. It pairs well with espresso, cold brew, or milk-based drinks.

Toraja Coffee

Toraja coffee grows in the volcanic Sesean Mountains of South Sulawesi at 1,400–2,100 meters. Its flavor is shaped by nearby spice plants. Known for strong body, low acidity, and notes of nuts, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, floral, and fruit. Hence, Toraja Arabica varieties are prized worldwide as “black gold” for their rich taste and premium quality.

Timor Arabusta Coffee

The Timor Hybrid, a rare natural cross of Arabica and Robusta discovered in the 1920s, was prized for its resistance to coffee leaf rust and led to varieties like Sarchimor and Catimor. As resistance weakens, researchers are developing new “Arabustas” by combining Robusta’s resilience with Arabica’s flavor, aiming to breed climate-adapted, rust-resistant, high-quality coffee for the future.

Liberica

Farmers and researchers are actively reviving Liberica coffee, first discovered in 1872, a rare variety producing under 1% globally but notable for its complex sweetness, towering trees, natural pest resistance, and strong immunity to coffee rust. Although many overlook it, Liberica coffee enhances blends with body and unique flavors from fruity to lactic notes. Cultivation projects in India, Brazil, and Mexico aim to showcase its potential worldwide.

Lampung Robusta

Lampung Robusta is a bold varieties of coffee bean grown in Indonesia’s Lampung region, known for its rich body and strong, earthy flavor. Grown at low to mid-altitudes, it delivers robust, slightly bitter notes with chocolatey undertones, making it ideal for espresso and dark roasts. Its consistent quality and hearty taste make it a favorite among coffee lovers worldwide.

Bourbon Coffee

Bourbon coffee, a prized Arabica varietal, originated on Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon) in the early 1700s before spreading to Brazil and Latin America. Thus, it is known for quality rather than high yield. Hence, it thrives at 1,100–2,000 meters in regions like Brazil, Colombia, Rwanda, and El Salvador. While genetics shape some traits, flavor ultimately depends on altitude, soil, and farming practices.

Caturra Coffee

Caturra coffee is a natural dwarf mutation of the Bourbon variety, discovered in Brazil in the early 1900s. Compact and high-yielding, it grows best at 1,200–2,000 meters in fertile, rainy regions but is vulnerable to pests and coffee leaf rust. Known for its bright acidity, sweetness, and citrusy notes, Caturra produces Red, Yellow, Purple, and Chiroso varieties prized in specialty coffee.

Conclusion

Exploring the many varieties of coffee bean reveals just how diverse and fascinating the coffee world is. From rare hybrids like Timor Arabusta to classics such as Bourbon and Java, therefore each variety carries a unique story of origin, flavor, and tradition. By understanding these beans, coffee lovers can appreciate the craft behind every cup and discover new tastes that make their coffee journey richer and more exciting.

Every great cup begins with high-quality beans, and the finest often come from Indonesia, the world’s leading producer of Arabica and Robusta. FNB Coffee connects you directly with farmers, ensuring freshness, sustainability, and exceptional taste. From green to roasted and specialty beans, our carefully curated selection empowers cafés, roasters, and coffee lovers to stand out in Malaysia’s thriving coffee culture with flavors that truly make a difference.