We all have our go-to blends; the tried-and-true coffees that make mornings easier and bring a little routine to the chaos. But then there are the others.

The ones that catch you off guard in the best way. They’re bright, bold, and demand your attention. That’s what single origins are for: coffees that bring something so distinct to the table, they shine brightest on their own.

This summer, we’re highlighting two of the most legendary coffee regions in the world: Colombia Nariño and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. These aren’t just good coffees. They’re exceptional expressions of what happens when time, place, and craft come together just right.

First Things First: What’s a Single Origin?

A single origin coffee is exactly what it sounds like, beans that come from one specific farm, region, or even a single micro-lot. That means what you’re tasting is a pure expression of that place. It’s like a time capsule in a cup: seasonal, fleeting, and totally unblended.

At Compass, our blends (like Cardinal, Horizon, and Emblem Espresso) are carefully crafted from several single origin coffees to create dependable, balanced flavors that our customers know and love. But before we blend anything, we taste everything. And sometimes, we come across coffees that are so distinct in character, they don’t quite fit into a blend, but they’re too good not to share on their own.

That’s where our single origin program comes in. These coffees are all about showcasing the distinct character of one place, one process, and one moment in time. They give our customers a different window into the world of coffee, one that celebrates regional nuance, processing methods, and seasonal flavor shifts.

And this season, we’re especially excited about what we’re brewing.

Colombia Nariño: Dark, Spiced, and Full of Depth

Hop in for a ride and join us as we head into the rugged terrain of Colombia’s southwestern mountains, specifically, the high-elevation farms of Nariño, one of the country’s most distinct and exciting coffee regions. Nestled nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, this region benefits from warm days, cool nights, and rich volcanic soil. That slow, steady maturation creates dense coffee beans packed with flavor and complexity.

This particular coffee is a Caturra varietal, picked at peak ripeness, fermented, and sun-dried on parabolic beds. From the very first cup, we were struck by how much the flavor mirrors the landscape: bright, layered, and full of energy.

Colombia Nariño Tastes Like…
→ Cedar
→ Clove
→ Cinnamon

We roast this one dark to bring out its boldest notes. The result is a full-bodied, spice-forward cup that’s especially satisfying when brewed as a French press. If you’re into cozy, structured blends like French Roast or Emblem Espresso, this single origin gives you a new way to explore those same deep flavors, just with a little more edge. It’s familiar, but with a twist.

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: Bright, Floral, and Full of Character

From the lush mountains of East Africa comes one of the most iconic names in specialty coffee, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. This region is home to high-altitude farms where small, dense coffee beans thrive under the hot sun and cool air. After harvesting, the coffee is naturally processed, meaning the whole cherries are dried for up to three weeks on raised patios. This method draws out berry-like sweetness and gentle citrus acidity.

We then peak roast the coffee to soften that natural acidity and highlight the floral, fruit-forward flavors without overpowering the cup.

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Tastes Like…
→ Blueberry
→ Honeysuckle
→ Light Body

This refined light roast is best enjoyed as a pour-over, which filters out oils and lets its delicate profile really shine. Expect a clean, crisp cup with a soft finish: sweet, floral, and refreshing. We especially love it over ice on a warm DC day. If you're just starting to explore lighter roasts, this one is bright without being sharp, complex without being complicated, and an excellent intro to the magic of single origins.

Why These Coffees?

At Compass, we love our blends, but we get equally excited when something unique crosses our cupping table. That’s what single origins are for. They’re coffees we can’t stop thinking about. Coffees that don’t just taste great – they feel like an experience.

Colombia Nariño brings spiced, smoky depth. Ethiopia Yirgacheffe brings airy florals and delicate fruit. Together, they stretch the spectrum of what coffee can taste like, from dark and grounded to light and lifted.

They also give us a chance to meet our customers where they are. Whether you’re a long-time coffee lover or just someone curious about new flavors, single origins offer a friendly introduction to the world beyond your usual cup.

Next Up on Your Coffee Adventure

Trying something new can feel like a risk, but with coffee, it’s one worth taking. If you’ve always stuck to blends, single origins are a fun, low-pressure way to shake things up. They’re not about being fancy or exclusive, they’re about experiencing coffee in a new way, one origin at a time.

Drawn to the bold, spiced notes in Colombia Nariño? You might also enjoy our French Roast or Emblem Espresso, both offer that same cozy depth. Curious about the bright, floral profile of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe? Try it alongside Horizon Blend or a refreshing iced pour-over for something a little outside your usual, but still totally approachable.

At the end of the day, the only rule to coffee is: drink what makes you happy. And if you’re ever unsure, ask your barista, they’ve got your back and probably a great recommendation, too.

So go for it. Try the single origin. Explore something new. You might just find a new favorite waiting on the other side of your comfort zone.