Best Coffee: Consensus Top 5 Brands Based On Expert Reviews

If you are a coffee enthusiast seeking the pinnacle of flavor and quality, look no further than the world of the best coffee brands. These exceptional roasters have perfected the art of sourcing, blending, and roasting to create unparalleled coffee experiences. From the vibrant and ethically-sourced beans to the meticulous craftsmanship, these brands have set themselves apart as the gold standard in the coffee industry.

So many people make coffee a part of their daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 80 percent of U.S. adults consume coffee or caffeine every day. While the stimulant is no replacement for healthy sleep patterns, studies suggest that consuming coffee may lead to longevity, improved alertness, lower risk of cancer, reduced risk of cognitive impairment, and even enhanced exercise performance.

One recent study reports that consuming two to three cups of coffee each day lowers heart disease risk and the risk of death from all causes. The findings applied to various coffee varieties, including instant, ground, and decaffeinated coffee. Other studies indicate that coffee can help ward off Alzheimer's and dementia. Researchers at Indiana University in Bloomington reveal that caffeine is among some 24 compounds that could delay the onset of dementia, which afflicts millions of Americans annually.

So that leads us all back to the question at hand: Which is the very best coffee on the market? Let's have a look at who the experts love the most!

➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created

EdNews’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!

The List: Best Coffee Brands, According to Experts

1. Stumptown Coffee

Portland-born company Stumptown Coffee has gained national recognition for its selection of mouthwatering blends like Holler Mountain, House Blend, and Trapper Creek.

“Stumptown is synonymous with the third wave of coffee—a 21st-century rise in small boutique roasters,” writes The Spruce Eats. “Stumptown is more expensive than many brands found in the grocery store, but the cost isn't outrageous. Plus, the quality and care put into the coffee are evident in every cup you drink.”

The company, founded in 1999, is also well-respected for its direct trade business practices and its ethical and long-standing relationships with farmers and producers.

“Smooth yet robust, the Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain is a full-bodied blend that might just make you ditch your local barista. Highly approachable, the medium roast fuses the chocolatey flavors of South and Central American coffees with the bright crispness of East African beans,” adds Mashed.

2. Intelligentsia

If you’re looking for an excellent quality coffee that gets straight to the point and gives you a strong kick in the morning, Intelligentsia’s selection of coffees and espressos are the right fit for you.

“The fruity and chocolatey flavors don't need to be covered up with excess cream or sugar to be enjoyed, as it's plenty tasty on its own. And with the company's Direct Trade practices, these beans are ethically sourced,” writes Delish.

The business motto is “great coffee is not the result of chance” and many fans of the brand couldn’t agree more due to the company's dedication to harvesting and producing.

“Intelligentsia also showcases its single-origin coffees, a collection that offers flavor gateways into specific regions like Bolivia, Burundi, and more. You can purchase both whole bean and ground varieties, and there are delicious options for espresso, instant, and decaf coffee, too,” adds The Spruce Eats.

3. Blue Bottle

Blue Bottle coffee has gained an almost a cult-like following due to its expertly roasted and crafted coffees, high quality beans, and sustainability. “The brand has worked to shorten the supply chain, so you're drinking straight from the (sustainable) source, which means a fresher, richer flavor,” says Eat This Not That.

Blue Bottle is also well-reviewed for its delivery service, which allows customers to choose the type of bean assortment and how much you want in each shipment.

“It just tastes different, and by that I mean better. And their subscription program allows you to get that same taste without leaving the house,” mentions Cosmopolitan.

4. Death Wish

Referred to as the “world’s strongest cup of coffee,” Death Wish coffees are a great option for those with a high caffeine tolerance looking for a balanced flavor.

“Fair warning: This dark roast is not for the faint of heart. The producer, the upstate New York-based brand Death Wish, claims that it's the world's strongest coffee,” notes Delish. “With a deep nutty flavor and a smooth finish, this brew doesn't taste as harsh as one might expect from a cup of coffee with double the average amount of caffeine.”

Fans of the powerful concoction love Death Wish for its smooth and complex taste. “Using a unique combination of beans paired with a specially designed roasting process, the makers of Death Wish Coffee have created a punchy blend that is extremely caffeinated thanks to both arabica and robusta beans sourced mainly from India and Peru,” adds Eat This Not That.

5. Equal Exchange

Some coffee companies claim to be fair-trade and environmentally friendly, but not all practice what they preach. That’s where Equal coffee really shines. “Equal Exchange is a worker-owned coffee company with 120 worker-owners,” says Leaf Score. “That means the company isn’t beholden to outside shareholders or founders or partners but are instead responsible to each other, which helps them maintain their ideals and receive an equal share of any profits or losses from their work.”

Equal was founded more than 25 years ago with fairly traded coffee from Latin America, Asia, and Africa to source sustainably-grown beans.

“Not only can you feel good about buying from Equal Exchange (more on their practices and worker-owned business here), but you can also rest easy knowing you have an excellent chocolate-heavy cup of coffee with notes of cherry tobacco and smoke and a dense mouthfeel waiting for you in the A.M,” explains Delish.

Sources Used For This List

1. Delish
2. The Spruce Eats
3. Wall Street Journal
4. Mashed
5. Independent
6. Cosmopolitan
7. Forbes
8. Delish
9. Eat This
10. Leaf Score

Is there a brand of coffee that you think should be on our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article contains affiliate links in which EdNews receives a commission if a purchase is made.