October 23, 2026

Flavor Analysis of Starbucks Colombia Beans & French Press Brewing Test | Coffee Bean Recommendations

October 2, 2018
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Introduction:Since its launch in 1990, Starbucks' Colombia coffee beans have become a daily choice for many coffee lovers, thanks to their rich, balanced flavor and nutty profile. This article will take an in-depth look at the flavor profile and roast characteristics of this classic bean, share the sensory records from an actual French press brewing session by a Korean research team, and explore the inspiration behind its stamp design — helping readers fully understand this classic coffee ideal for morning enjoyment.

Among the roasted coffee selection at Starbucks, the Colombia beans always attract considerable customer attention. This classic bean, introduced in 1990, is rated as “Supermo” (supermo) by roasters, symbolizing its quality assurance as beans of carefully selected large size. It stands out with medium body, silky texture, and prominent nutty aroma. It's not only popular as a single origin but also often used as a blend base, showcasing the diverse character of Colombian coffee.

These beans come from Nariño, in the southwestern part of Colombia. The region’s high altitude and unique microclimate nurture coffee with richly layered flavors. Nariño is not only a key origin for specialty coffee but also boasts magnificent natural landscapes, adding a sense of geographical charm to the coffee.

Starbucks specially launched a themed stamp for these Colombia beans, drawing inspiration from 1930s–1950s Latin American film posters. The design blends pre-Columbian theatrical elements with modern visual language, presenting a nostalgic yet stylish artistic style. This stamp is not just an extension of coffee culture but has also become a hot topic among collectors.

To deeply experience the actual performance of these beans, Korean researcher Silen specifically visited a campus store to purchase freshly roasted Colombia beans and conducted a French press brewing test in the international department office. The French press is simple to use and offers great value, making it suitable for everyday use and even readily available at Starbucks stores.

During the brewing process, Silen used hot water that had been left to settle for about two minutes. She poured the water while stirring evenly, steeped for five minutes, and then slowly pressed down the filter. This common method effectively extracts the coffee’s sweetness and richness while preserving the delicate aromas of nuts and cocoa. As the aroma of coffee filled the office, it sparked a lively tasting discussion.

The teachers who participated in the tasting shared a variety of impressions: some noted the slight bitterness and depth of chocolate, others emphasized the overall mild and smooth flavor, and some even commented on the pleasant surprise of feeling uplifted after drinking. Overall, these Colombia beans demonstrate an excellent balance between acidity and body, with a smooth yet layered mouthfeel, making them highly suitable for enjoying with breakfast in the morning.

For practical enjoyment, it is recommended to pair with a black chocolate croissant, where the sweet-and-bitter interplay of the flaky pastry can beautifully echo the richness of the coffee, further enhancing the richness of the taste experience. For coffee lovers trying a Colombian single origin for the first time, this classic bean is undoubtedly an excellent entry-level choice.

It is worth noting that Colombia also produces several Supreme™ series coffee beans, such as the selection from the Santa Fé de Antioquia region, offering different flavor profiles for coffee explorers to challenge. Whether for everyday drinking or single-origin appreciation, these Colombia coffee beans demonstrate a timeless classic charm.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.

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