When you brew up one of our signature blends, you know that every sip is going to be just the way you like it. But that perfect coffee flavor is no accident. It’s the result of extraordinary care that happens behind the scenes. Our incredible roasting team dedicates countless hours to tasting, experimenting, and fine-tuning flavor profiles, ensuring that every blend offers depth, balance, and reliable consistency. You can experience the results of the art of blending every day in our cafes, whether you’re enjoying Cardinal Blend on drip, or Emblem Espresso in your latte or cappuccino!
Like most things in the world of coffee, the art and science of creating blends is a bit of a rabbit hole! In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our sourcing and blending process, highlighting the flavor profiles that make our blends some of the finest you’ll ever experience.
What is a coffee blend?
Coffee is a plant cultivated on farms all over the world. Yet the coffee you brew each morning is rarely the product of just one farm. More often, it’s a thoughtful blend of two to four different coffees - and making one of these blends is an art form in itself. Much like a chef composing a dish, our roasters combine beans with distinct characteristics, each shaped by its origin, climate, and variety (yes, there's more than one type of coffee plant! In fact, there are hundreds of varieties, each with their own unique flavor characteristics). Every bean contributes its own unique flavor profile, and by blending them, we create coffees that showcase the very best of what we source from across the globe.
That’s why blends are so popular and dependable. Our popular Cardinal Blend, for instance, features smooth and comforting notes of milk chocolate and roasted nuts. It's a flavor our customers return to day after day. When you pick up a mug of Cardinal, whether at home or in one of our cafes, you know exactly what you’re getting - day in and day out. In fact, that consistency is a big part of our promise to you - that we’ll be there for you every single morning with a freshly brewed cup of the coffee you love.
What makes it fascinating, though, is that the beans inside aren’t always from the same farms each year. One season, the chocolatey richness might come from Guatemala, the next from Colombia. As the seasons change - and as coffee crops are grown, harvested, and make their way to market - we are constantly evaluating coffees from all over the world to find the right beans to maintain the flavors of your favorite blends. So that Cardinal always tastes like Cardinal. It's like a magic trick, but our roasting team knows how to pull off!
As our head of operations, Chas Newman, explains:
“Flavor is deeply tied to memory. We create blends so that our customers can rely on their coffee tasting the same every morning: a dependable routine that anchors the day.”
Blends vs single-origins: What's the difference?
When you step up to the register to place your coffee order, you are often faced with the choice between single-origin and a coffee blend. There are interesting differences between them!
Single-origin coffee
A single-origin coffee is made from beans sourced from a single farm or region. When you buy a single-origin coffee, you know that it hasn't been blended with coffee from other geographical regions. Often, a single origin will even indicate the exact farm - or farm plot - that it comes from! Single origin coffees excel at highlighting the unique characteristics of a given region’s unique terroir - basically, how a single farm’s soil, climate, and other factors all come together to shape how the coffee tastes. Take Ethiopian coffee, for instance. It’s often known for its vibrant notes of berries, citrus, and flowers, which are typical across that specific geographical area. Single origin coffees are great for exploring unique coffees when you really want to get to know the taste of a single bean!
The downside? Coffee is a crop, which means that it’s grown, harvested, sold, roasted… and then it’s gone! Single origin coffees are often limited to one season, since the coffee that’s grown the following year - even on the same farm - may end up tasting completely different!
Coffee blends
When it comes to coffee blends, things get a bit more intricate. Blends are artfully made from coffee beans from various origins to create a flavor profile that lets the best of each component coffees shine through. We also formulate our blends for consistent flavor over time - so that your favorite coffee always taste just how you like it!
The blending process allows roasters to mix the vibrant, fruity notes of Ethiopian beans with the rich, chocolatey flavors of Latin American beans or the spiciness of beans from Asia. The outcome? A coffee that’s expressive, layered, and nuanced, and very different from what a single-origin coffee could deliver on its own.
“Blending isn’t just about flavor, it’s about consistency,” Chas Newman explains. “Coffee is a crop, so one harvest won’t last all year. A Guatemalan crop, for instance, is gone once harvested. To ensure customers can enjoy the same Cardinal Blend all year, we find other coffees with similar notes and carefully combine them.”
Creating a great blend is challenging. It requires careful sourcing, expert roasting, and constant tasting.
“A misconception is that blends are less fancy than single-origins,” Chas notes. “In reality, single origins are easier: just roast and serve. Blends demand dedication, precision, and artistry. You need a good nose, a skilled palate, and the discipline to let the flavor profile guide you rather than personal taste.”
Why do coffee roasters create blends?
Creating coffee blends at Compass Coffee is no small feat. It requires a lot of time, sourcing, tasting, and planning. You might be asking yourself, Why go through all this trouble to create blends?
Why not just find those unique flavors in a single-origin coffee? The answer lies in the very nature of coffee crops. Each harvest has its own distinct characteristics: things like climate, rainfall, soil type, and altitude all influence the flavor of the beans. Even beans from the same farm can taste quite different from one another.
You may have noticed that the coffee blends you love at Compass are available year-round! Blends like Cardinal, Waypoint, and, of course, our legendary Emblem Espresso. To keep the flavors the same, our roasting team is always busy reblending. The roasters at Compass Coffee sample hundreds of coffees each year, diligently assessing each bean to make sure it aligns perfectly with the signature profile of our blends.
“We definitely drink and taste more coffee than anyone else in DC. Probably more than anyone should!” Chas laughs. “But that’s how we make sure every blend hits the notes our customers expect.”
How often does Compass Coffee revisit its blends?
We are constantly sourcing new coffees to use in all of our many blends to make sure that the flavor in your favorite cup of Compass Coffee stays consistent, even as the beans themselves change with every harvest.
“Coffee is alive,” Chas reflects. “The same bean harvested a year later can taste different depending on rainfall or weather. Our role as roasters is to continuously adapt. That means sourcing and blending until the flavor we achieve matches the one our customers cherish.”
However, you may be surprised at how much time and effort revisiting the coffee blends requires of our roasting team! It is a process that spans the entire year.
This meticulous work is known as reblending, and when our roasting team isn’t actively blending coffees, they’re sourcing freshly-harvested coffee, sample roasting, cupping, to continue the search for the next beans that will maintain the signature flavor profile.
Sourcing involves finding high-quality, sustainable coffee cherries (the fruit containing the coffee beans) from farms worldwide. Not all beans are created equal, and even the same farm can produce slightly different flavors with each harvest.
Sample roasting is a small-scale trial roast to see how a coffee’s flavor develops under heat. Roasters can then understand how a bean will behave in a full batch and how it might contribute to a blend.
Cupping is the formal tasting process (which requires lots of cups of freshly made coffee!). The brewed coffee is evaluated for aroma, acidity, body, and flavor notes. Roasters take careful notes to decide how each bean fits into a blend.
Sometimes, one coffee provides the perfect body and balance but lacks the chocolate or nutty notes we want. Other coffees are then added to fill in the missing flavors. The goal is simple: to make sure that when you brew your favorite Compass Coffee blend at home or enjoy it in our café, it tastes just like you remember.
And the real brilliance? When none of our customers notice the years of expertise, hundreds of tastings, and endless adjustments behind that perfect, dependable cup, that’s exactly how we know we’ve done our job!
Coffee regions that inspire Compass Coffee blends
Our coffee blends are like a passport to the world’s coffee-growing regions, all brought together at our amazing roastery in the heart of DC! Each origin contributes something unique, and when combined, they create flavor profiles that bring out the best of every bean - highlighting unique flavors that are hard to uncover, even in a single origin version of the same coffee!
- Africa: Bright and vibrant, often with a fruity twist. Coffees from this continent are lively and adventurous, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a playful and expressive flavor.
- East Asia: Rich and grounding, featuring herbal or earthy notes that add body and depth to the blends.
- Latin America: Sweet and inviting, with hints of chocolate and nuts. These flavors are quite familiar to American tastes, especially since Latin American coffees have been the most accessible in the US for over a century.
“There’s a reason our Latin American blends resonate so strongly,” Chas explains. “For generations, Americans have grown up with these flavors. Mild sweetness, chocolate, and nutty notes — they feel like home in a cup.”
At Compass Coffee, we combine these origins in creative ways. For example, East Asian beans bring the spice and warmth to our Holiday Blend, which we then round out with rich, chocolatey coffees from Latin America. The result is a tantalizing and delicious coffee blend with all the best notes you crave from each coffee region.
And for those who want to taste the full journey, try our Explorer Packs. A curated selection of our signature coffee blends, so that you can explore the world of coffee from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Discover our most popular coffee blends
Every blend in the Compass Coffee lineup has its own unique character. We’ve carefully crafted a diverse range of specialty coffee blends to match your preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the bright, berry-like flavors of our light roasts or the bold, rich intensity of our espressos, your journey to discover the best coffee blends begins and ends right here. (P.S. We also have decaf options too!)
Here are our most cherished creations, from the lightest to the darkest roast:
Light Roasts
- Horizon Blend
- Origin Focus: Africa
- Flavor Profile: Bright, sweet with vibrant berry-like notes.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Easting Blend
- Origin Focus: East Asia
- Flavor Profile: Bright, sweet, and creamy with a hint of strawberry.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Breakfast Blend
- Origin Focus: Latin America
- Flavor Profile: Bright and balanced with smooth caramel notes.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
Medium Roasts
- Cardinal Blend
- Origin Focus: Latin America
- Flavor Profile: Milk chocolate, roasted nuts, smooth body.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Meridian Blend
- Origin Focus: Africa
- Flavor Profile: Intense, complex, and aromatic with a syrupy texture.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Emblem Espresso
- Origin Focus: Latin America
- Flavor Profile: Rich and smooth with caramel notes and a classic espresso taste.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Embassy Blend
- Origin Focus: East Asia
- Flavor Profile: Bold, crisp, and savory with earthy, fragrant notes.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
Dark Roasts
- Shaw Blend
- Origin Focus: Africa
- Flavor Profile: Juicy, lush, and complex with rich cocoa and dark fruit notes.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Waypoint Blend
- Origin Focus: Latin America
- Flavor Profile: Brown sugar sweetness with a smooth, adaptable body.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- French Roast Blend
- Origin Focus: Latin America
- Flavor Profile: Rich and smoky with an intense, full-bodied character.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
- Azimuth Blend
- Origin Focus: East Asia
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, earthy, and intensely full-bodied.
- Why You'll Love It: Pull from short description on PDP.
Not sure which level of coffee roast to go for? Read our article comparing light, medium, and dark roasts.
How to choose the best coffee blend for you
The wonderful thing about coffee blends is that there’s truly something for everyone. So, how do you choose which one? Start by thinking about the flavors you enjoy: do you love bright, fruity notes, or richer, chocolatey undertones? Are you drawn to bold, smoky coffees or smooth, mellow flavors? Roast level plays a big role in shaping these flavors, too. Light roasts bring a lot of brightness and fruitiness, medium roasts bring balance and complexity, and dark roasts deliver depth, cocoa, and roasted richness.
Compass Coffee makes it easy to explore all of the incredible flavors you can find in coffees from all over the world, and up and down the roast spectrom! Our blends feature beans from Latin America, Africa, and East Asia, roasted to light, medium, and dark levels, so there’s something to match every taste preference and mood. Whether you’re after a crowd-pleasing favorite, a seasonal treat, or in search of adventurous new flavors, we’ve got a blend you’ll love.
And best of all, Compass Coffee blends are crafted to shine no matter how you brew them. Pour-over, French press, espresso, or drip, make your coffee your way. (But if you're looking for a few tips for brewing coffee at home like a pro, feel free to check out our article.) Every sip is consistently balanced, layered, and full of the flavor you expect.
Use our quick guide to find the best coffee blend for you:
Chocolatey and caramel (our bestsellers!)
Rich, sweet, and comforting. These blends offer smooth chocolate and caramel undertones that make every sip familiar and satisfying. They're also our top three bestselling coffee blends!
- Cardinal Blend
- Waypoint Blend
- Emblem Espresso
Mellow and easy-drinking
Mellow coffees are smooth, gentle, and approachable. They’re perfect if you want a cup that’s comforting without being overpowering. These blends tend to highlight soft chocolate, caramel, or nutty flavors, making them a reliable everyday choice.
- Breakfast Blend
- Cardinal Blend
- Waypoint Blend
Fruity and bright
These coffees are lively, uplifting, and perfect for those who enjoy a bright, zesty flavor. Often lighter roasts, they showcase fruity and floral notes that make each sip refreshing.
- Horizon Blend
- Easting Blend
- Breakfast Blend
Full-bodied and complex
These coffees are rich and layered, with more depth and pronounced flavor. Perfect for those who appreciate coffee that makes an impression, with a blend of sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes.
- Meridian Blend
- Embassy Blend
- Shaw Blend
Smoky and intense
These dark roasts deliver strong, full-bodied flavor with smoky, cocoa, or earthy undertones. Ideal for coffee drinkers who enjoy a robust, bold cup that commands attention.
- French Roast Blend
- Azimuth Blend
Adventure-seekers
For those who want to explore new tastes and experience something unexpected. These blends push boundaries with surprising flavors.
- Easting Blend
- Meridian Blend
Seasonal and Limited-Edition
Designed to capture the moment with flavors inspired by the season. Perfect for when you want something special or festive.
- Cherry Blossom Blend (a light roast for spring)
- Autumn Blend (a medium roast for fall)
- Holiday Blend (a hearty dark roast for winter)
Exploring seasonal blends
Want to match your coffee to the seasons? Every year, we craft limited-edition blends that capture the essence of the season, from light and bright Cherry Blossom Blend in the spring - celebrating our city’s iconic cherry blossom festival - to rich and bold Holiday Blend, roasted dark to stand up alongside even the most indulgent holiday treats! satisfying the distinct cravings and daily routines inspired by different times of the year.
Check back throughout the year to see what’s new - we’ve always got fresh blends brewing, alongside our classic lineup that’s available year-round!
Our coffee blends showcase the finest coffee beans from around the globe, brought to life by the creativity and expertise of our roasting team. Here’s what makes our coffee blends special:
- Locally roasted right here in Washington, DC.
- Made from the highest quality specialty coffees sourced from all over the world.
- Artfully crafted for a perfect balance, consistency, and a unique character.
- Built on the belief that coffee should be both reliable and exceptional.
Discover your perfect blend at Compass Coffee
We’re proud of all our coffees, and we hope this post has helped point you in the direction of your next favorite cup.
Check out the full range of blends at a Compass Coffee cafe or shop online.
