What Makes Specialty Coffee So Special

If you’re an avid coffee drinker, chances are that you’ve come across the term specialty coffee at least once in the hunt for that perfect cup of coffee. But what truly makes it so special?

Hario V60 Dripper - Everything You Need to Know

Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene. Read on and find out all there is to know about the Hario V60 and it's fascinating history. 

Pink bourbon: a Colombian specialty coffee like no other

Pink Bourbon - Colombian specialty coffee's latest gem? Learn all about this dazzling new varietal, its unique rise to global recognition and what the future holds for it. And don't forget to try our very own Hermanos Pink Bourbon - La Aldea.

It's A Hermanos Christmas

From Christmas Market prep to festive coffee-roasting to the birth of new seasonal characters like Santa Santiago, it’s been a rollercoaster of a month - and we’re only halfway through. Come along for a ride through the Christmas rush at Hermanos.

Feliz Navidad - Introducing Hermanos Christmas Coffees

We’ve curated two limited edition coffee beans for you this Christmas - Santa Rita Honey and Finca Las Brisas. Take a deep dive into their backstories and find out why they make the perfect Christmas bean.

Stories from Colombia

From Colombia, with love. Follow along as we take you on a trip through the journeys of four Colombian speciality coffee farmers and their families. From seemingly insurmountable hardships to deaths within the family, these farmers have seen it all, done it all, and persevered through it all. And now they want to thank you - for the unwavering support you've shown their beans through the years.

Hermanos Coffee Pods

Crafted by Hermanos, compatible with Nespresso®. Our sustainable single origin pods are finally here! Available in three of our most loved beans, get ready for your very own specialty Colombian coffee experience at the push of a button.

All About Yellow Fruits

This coffee will blow your mind - in the best way possible. With inimitable notes of pineapple mango and manuka honey, one sip is all it takes to fall in love. Get ready for Yellow Fruits to whisk you off to a tropical paradise.

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

Can't handle caffeine? That's where decaf comes in! Learn all about popular decaffeination methods used in specialty coffee and which one we prefer to use for ours.

Light Roast vs. Medium Roast - Coffee Roasting Explained

A Coffee Varietal Guide

The 2 main species of coffee are arabic and robusta, where arabica is mainly used for specialty coffee. Within the arabica family there are different varietals, similar to different apple types (eg. Fuji, gala, granny smith), each varietal boasts distinct flavours and flourishes in different growing conditions. Let's explore the world of Colombian coffee varietals and its diverse tastes.

The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?

Whatever your connection is to the world of specialty coffee, we’re all at the mercy of the coffee supply chain. And knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us.

Colombian Coffee vs. African Coffee: What’s The Difference?

How does Colombian coffee compare to African coffee? We explore the main differences between the two, including roast, processing, and tasting notes.

Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters — The Brand Refresh

Over the past seven months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to hone our branding and enhance it to better convey our values and our mission.

Gender Equality In The Colombian Coffee Industry — An Introduction

The Colombian coffee industry is reliant on the work of women. Yet, women are often not recognised enough for this contribution..

Choosing A Chocolatey Coffee — Insider Tips

Coffee and chocolate are two of the most popular flavours out there. We’ll talk through the characteristics of chocolatey coffee and what's on offer at Hermanos.

The Colombian Coffee Federation — What Is It And Why Is It Important?

The Colombian coffee industry has an outstanding global reputation, and for good reason. To maintain this quality and put frameworks in place to protect the coffee growers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was created.

Can Coffee Farmers Stop Climate Change Killing Their Crops?

There are around 25 million smallholder coffee producers in the world and over 125 million people who rely on the sector. What can they do to save their crops?

What Are The Key Differences Between Colombian Coffee And Brazilian Coffee?

How similar is Colombian coffee to Brazilian coffee? Despite both countries being in South America and sitting in the coffee belt, they differ vastly from each other.

Colombian Coffee Facts — Everything You Need To Know

We’ve summarised 10 of the best Colombian coffee facts, which you can use to find out more about what makes coffee from Colombia so unique.

How Is Climate Change Impacting the World of Coffee?

While local adaptation and agricultural innovation is helping some to mitigate the effects of climate change, several studies carried out over the last decade predict we’re looking at a drop of up to 50% of total landmass suitable for coffee production by 2050.

Innovation in the Coffee Industry: The Koji Method

We’re invigorated by experimental coffee processing techniques, which is why we're so excited about Koji, our new bean.

What Is Natural Coffee Processing And How Does It Impact Your Coffee?

We dive into the natural processing method, and see how it weighs up against the washed and honey processes.

Our Visit To Colombia: Meeting Coffee Farmers And Discovering New Coffee Beans

Last month we travelled through Colombia. Our aim was to visit as many coffee growers and farms as possible in just a few weeks. Here's what we learnt...

Coffee Freshness - How Fresh Is Too Fresh?

We’ll walk you through why coffee freshness is so important, as well as some top tips on how to preserve the freshness of your coffee.

Coffee Subscriptions – Coffee Clubs, Bean Boxes and In-Shop Subscriptions Explained

The UK coffee subscription landscape is incredible. Many of the nation’s most established coffee roasters have doubled down on their online subscription models since the pandemic, while a huge number of new and digital-first brands have also entered the market.

Is Whole Bean Better Than Pre-Ground Coffee?

The vast majority of supermarkets and specialty coffee roasters offer both whole beans and pre-ground coffee. But which is the better choice?

Coffee Origins – How Does Location Affect Flavour?

Factors ranging from climate and altitude to the way local farmers process their beans have an impact on flavour. We explore how coffee origins influence coffee profiles from different countries.

5 Reasons To Visit A Coffee Roastery

A coffee roastery is one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a coffee lover or interested in how the process works. However, there are still misconceptions about what a coffee roastery is and how it relates to the other parts of the global coffee supply chain.

The Beginner's Guide To Different Coffee Types

There are so many different types of coffee out there, from Espresso-based drinks to fancy pour overs like the Chemex and V60. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to different coffee types to make it easier for you.

What Is A Coffee Roaster? Wholesale, Subscriptions & Coffee Roasting Explained

The majority of coffee shops around the world buy their beans from a wholesale roasting company. But what is a coffee roaster? We explore!

Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee: What Are The Main Differences?

If you’re looking to brush up on your coffee knowledge or want to make the change from instant coffee to ground coffee, then you’re in the right place. In this post we explore the many differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, including the type of beans typically used for each, caffeine content, shelf life, taste, and the way these coffees are brewed.

Espresso Explained: What's The Difference Between Espresso And Filter Coffee?

What makes an espresso different to filter coffee? Many factors ranging from the size of the drink, the caffeine content, the taste, and even the aroma all play a part. But most importantly, these coffees differ due to the way they are made.

Coffee Tasting Guide – Top 10 FAQs Answered

There’s a strict protocol to follow if you are coffee cupping, but the general act of coffee tasting can take many forms. Here’s our coffee tasting guide for beginners.

Coffee Tasting Terms Explained — How To Taste Coffee Like A Professional

Whether you’ve got a coffee cupping session coming up, or you just want to learn how to appreciate your morning coffee more, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of coffee tasting terms.

A Visit from the Producers of El Vergel - What We Learnt

From challenges faced by climate change to why they choose to grow specialty coffee over commodity coffee, here’s what we learnt when we interviewed the Tolima-based producers of our popular El Vergel coffee.

Coffee Traceability: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The desire for traceability in the specialty coffee industry is growing, with more interest than ever in where coffee comes from, who grows it, and how it gets from farm to cup.

The Cost of Coffee - What’s Behind the Rise in Coffee Prices?

The cost of a simple cup or bag of coffee is connected to so many of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from the climate crisis to the global pandemic. We explore what’s really behind the rise in coffee prices.

Natural? Washed? Honey? Coffee Processing Methods Explained

Although you don’t need to know the difference between natural, washed or honey processed coffees to enjoy them, cafes, roasters and specialty coffee retailers are increasingly using these terms as selling points for their beans.

How Do Colombia’s High Altitudes Affect Coffee Flavour?

Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to produce coffees that are more complex, rich and distinct due to the cooler temperatures that extend the growth time of the coffee plant, adding more depth in flavour.

Specialty vs. Commodity Coffee: What's the Difference?

There's never been so much interest in specialty coffee as there is now. A growing number of coffee shops and roasters define themselves by their commitment to specialty coffee, and, in a way, their opposition to 'commodity coffee'.

Coffee Tasting Experiences - What to Expect During Your First Cupping Session

Anyone can taste coffee but 'cupping' refers to the standardised process of evaluating coffees used by the coffee industry. We explore what you need to know before your first tasting (or cupping) experience.

Decaf Coffee Beans - How Is Coffee Decaffeinated?

We shed light on what decaf is and how exactly coffee is decaffeinated using methods like the sugar cane decaf process so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your next bag of Colombian decaf coffee beans

The Impact of Colombian Coffee Cooperatives on the Specialty Coffee Industry

While the coop system isn’t perfect, it’s played a crucial role in developing the Colombia's specialty coffee market and allowing smallholders to band together and promote the attractiveness of their beans. Learn more! 

How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans - A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to start buying better specialty coffee with our beginner’s guide. We discuss roast dates, flavours (notes), supermarkets, descriptions on coffee packets, and provide a simple checklist for when you’re in a fix.

Arabica Coffee Beans - Why the World Loves Coffee Arabica

Arabica coffee beans offer a smoother, sweeter taste than Robusta. And despite being harder to grow, are widely considered to be the superior bean in the world of specialty coffee.

The Colombian Coffee Triangle - The Past and Future of Colombia’s Most Famous Coffee Producing Region

Nearly a third of Colombia’s coffee growing happens within the “Colombian Coffee Triangle” and its major cities are strongholds for a century-old tradition of coffee farming. Learn more.

Single Origin vs. Blends - What’s the Difference?

Should you buy single origin beans or coffee blends? We explore what sets these bean types apart and what you should look for when buying your next bag of Colombian coffee beans.

What Is Third Wave Coffee? A Practical Definition

Third wave coffee means different things to different people. We explore what it means and whether it still has relevance today in the world of specialty coffee.

Colombian Coffee Beans - What Makes Them So Special?

Colombia is widely known for producing some of the best specialty arabica coffee beans. But what makes single origin Colombian coffee beans so special? We explore how everything from growing conditions and climate to harvesting practices and the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) have all played a part.