High-altitude coffee is the secret to a superior brew. From intense, layered flavors to a smoother kick, the mountain air transforms every bean into something exceptional. Coffee lovers go out of their way to experience its smooth flavor. Learn how high altitude affects coffee from Beans & Brews Coffeehouse and why it offers an elevated coffee experience.
Elevated Taste Begins on the Coffee Farm
There are two main types of coffee beans — robusta and arabica. Robusta plants are hardy. They’re resistant to disease and easy to grow, making robusta beans a common choice for commercial and instant coffee. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta beans.
Arabica plants are delicate and grow best at higher elevations. Cooler mountain temperatures enable the coffee plants to produce denser beans with a nuanced flavor, often featuring bright acidity, fruity undertones, and a smoother aftertaste. Most specialty coffee shops turn to arabica beans for their aromatic and rich taste. Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia produced the most arabica beans in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While the rising cost of coffee is prompting some major coffee brands to explore lower-cost robusta options, Beans & Brews remains committed to sourcing high-quality arabica beans — we wouldn’t have it any other way.
High-Altitude Coffee Roasting Enhances Flavor
Elevation has an impact on the roasting process. High-altitude roasting amplifies the complexity and aroma of the beans, producing a more refined taste. Roasting beans too long or too hot can result in scorched or “baked” coffee. The dry mountain air allows coffee to be roasted at lower temperatures, unlocking superior flavor in less time. It helps preserve the Arabica bean’s natural flavors and balances acidity without excessive bitterness. At sea level, roasting takes longer, increasing the chances of burning the beans.
Demand for High-Altitude Coffee is Growing
An increase in demand for specialty and gourmet brews from coffee shops is ramping up the popularity of high-elevation coffee. Drive Research reveals more than half of Americans buy coffee from a coffee shop at least once a week, with 15% spending between $31 and $40 monthly on their coffee shop habit. Globally, the coffee shop market was valued at nearly $79 billion in 2022 and is on track to reach almost $134 billion by 2030.
Capitalize on the Hype: Own a High-Altitude Coffee Franchise
Beans & Brews opened its first location in Salt Lake City, 4,300 feet above sea level. As we perfected our roasting process, we learned the benefits of roasting beans at a higher elevation. We discovered the thinner air gave our coffee a better flavor. Once we refined our high-altitude roasting technique, Beans & Brews became a fan favorite and we’ve grown from a single coffee shop in 1993 to more than 80 coffee shop franchises nationwide.
“The Beans & Brews flavor is unmatched,” said Kim Sims, a franchisee in Spring, Texas.
If you want to open a business in the lucrative coffee sector, Beans & Brews is growing. Our franchisees receive comprehensive training, business support, and a proven operational model. From day one, you’re backed by resources to help you succeed — everything from marketing and supply chain support to expert roasting techniques that bring out the best in every bean.
Get started to learn more about our coffee franchise opportunity that embraces a mountain lifestyle.