The Origin of Seattle’s Best Coffee Brand

Quick Answer

• Seattle’s Best Coffee started in Spokane, Washington, not Seattle.
• It was founded by the Schuchard brothers.
• They initially sold coffee beans door-to-door.
• The brand was later acquired by Starbucks.
• Today, it’s a widely available, accessible coffee option.

Buying Priorities

• Taste Profile: What kind of roast do you like? Light, medium, or dark? Seattle’s Best offers a range.
• Bean Origin: Some folks are particular about where their beans come from. Explore their single-origin or blend options.
• Roast Level: This is key. Lighter roasts preserve more of the bean’s original flavor. Darker roasts bring out toasty, smoky notes.
• Price Point: Seattle’s Best is generally more affordable than some premium brands. Figure out your budget.
• Availability: It’s easy to find in most grocery stores, which is a big plus.
• Brewing Method: While the beans are versatile, consider how you brew. Some roasts shine in different methods.
• Freshness: Always check the roast date on the bag if possible. Fresher is better, no matter the brand.
• Ethical Sourcing: If this matters to you, look for certifications or information on their sourcing practices.

Feature Comparison: Seattle’s Best Coffee Beans

• Brew Method Versatility: Works well with drip, pour-over, French press, and even espresso machines. Just adjust your grind.
• Roast Variety: Offers light, medium, and dark roasts across their main lines.
• Bean Selection: Typically uses Arabica beans. You’ll find blends and some single-origin options.
• Grind Options: Available in whole bean and pre-ground. Pre-ground is convenient but loses some freshness.
• Flavor Notes: Generally aims for approachable, balanced flavors. Not overly complex, but solid.
• Price: Positioned as an everyday, accessible coffee brand. Good value for the quality.
• Acquisition: Now owned by Starbucks, which influences its distribution and marketing.
• Packaging: Standard bags, usually with a one-way valve to preserve freshness.
• Target Audience: Appeals to a broad consumer base looking for good, reliable coffee without fuss.
• Caffeine Content: Varies by roast and bean type, but generally comparable to other standard coffees.
• Environmental Impact: Information on specific sourcing or sustainability initiatives can be found on their website or packaging.
• Brand Heritage: While not originally from Seattle, it carries a Pacific Northwest coffee vibe.

How to Choose Seattle’s Best Coffee Step-by-Step

1. Identify Your Preferred Roast:

• What to do: Think about your favorite coffee experiences. Do you like bright, citrusy notes (light roast), balanced and smooth (medium roast), or bold, chocolatey, and sometimes smoky flavors (dark roast)?
• What “good” looks like: You can confidently pick a roast level that aligns with your past preferences. For example, if you like a mellow morning cup, a medium roast like their “Breakfast Blend” is a solid bet.
• Common mistake: Grabbing the darkest roast thinking “stronger is better.” This can lead to bitterness if you’re not used to it. Stick to what you know or start with a medium.

2. Consider the Blend vs. Single Origin:

• What to do: Decide if you want a consistent, balanced flavor profile (blend) or the unique characteristics of coffee from a specific region (single origin).
• What “good” looks like: You choose a blend for everyday reliability or a single origin when you want to explore specific tasting notes.
• Common mistake: Assuming single origin always means “better.” Blends are often carefully crafted for optimal flavor balance.

3. Check the Roast Date:

• What to do: Look for a “roasted on” date on the packaging. The fresher, the better.
• What “good” looks like: You find a bag with a recent roast date, ideally within the last few weeks.
• Common mistake: Buying coffee without checking the date, leading to stale beans and a flat taste. Coffee is a fresh product.

4. Select Whole Bean or Ground:

• What to do: Decide if you have a grinder at home and prefer the freshest possible cup (whole bean), or if convenience is key (pre-ground).
• What “good” looks like: You choose whole bean if you have a grinder, or pre-ground if you need a quick setup.
• Common mistake: Buying pre-ground when you have a grinder and wondering why your coffee isn’t as flavorful. Grinding right before brewing makes a huge difference.

5. Read Flavor Descriptions (If Available):

• What to do: Look at the packaging or online descriptions for hints about tasting notes like “chocolate,” “caramel,” “citrus,” or “nutty.”
• What “good” looks like: You pick a coffee whose described notes sound appealing to you. For instance, if you love dark chocolate, look for that in the description.
• Common mistake: Ignoring descriptions and picking a bag based solely on the label color, leading to unexpected flavors.

6. Factor in Price and Value:

• What to do: Compare prices per pound or per bag. Seattle’s Best is generally budget-friendly.
• What “good” looks like: You find a coffee that fits your budget and delivers a satisfying taste experience for the cost.
• Common mistake: Overspending on a bag you’re unsure about, or buying the cheapest option without considering taste.

7. Consider Your Brewing Method:

• What to do: Think about how you usually brew coffee. Drip machines are forgiving, while French press or pour-over can highlight specific bean characteristics.
• What “good” looks like: You choose a bean that complements your primary brewing method. A medium roast is often a safe bet for most methods.
• Common mistake: Using a very finely ground coffee in a French press, resulting in sludge. Or using a coarse grind in a drip machine, leading to weak coffee.

Common Mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Buying stale coffee (no roast date checked)	Flat, lifeless taste; lack of aroma	Always check for a “roasted on” date; buy from reputable sources.
Using the wrong grind size for your brewer	Over-extraction (bitter) or under-extraction (weak)	Match grind size to your brewing method (fine for espresso, coarse for French press).
Not storing coffee properly	Rapid staling; loss of flavor and aroma	Store in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Using old or dirty brewing equipment	Off-flavors; rancid oils contaminating the brew	Clean your coffee maker and grinder regularly.
Not using the right water temperature	Poor extraction; coffee tastes sour or burnt	Aim for 195-205°F (90-96°C) water. Check your machine’s manual.
Using tap water with strong flavors or minerals	Unpleasant taste in the final cup	Use filtered or bottled water for a cleaner coffee flavor.
Measuring coffee by scoops instead of weight	Inconsistent brew strength and flavor	Use a scale for precise coffee-to-water ratios.
Rushing the brewing process	Incomplete extraction; weak or sour coffee	Allow adequate brew time for your chosen method.
Not letting coffee bloom (for pour-over/French press)	Uneven extraction; gassy taste	Pour a small amount of hot water over grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Storing coffee in the freezer	Moisture absorption; flavor degradation	Keep coffee at room temperature in an airtight container.

Decision Rules (Seattle’s Best Coffee)

• If you prefer a smooth, balanced cup for your morning drip coffee, then choose a medium roast like the “Breakfast Blend” because it’s designed for approachability.
• If you enjoy bold, rich flavors and don’t mind a bit of bitterness, then a dark roast like “Post Alley” might be your go-to because it highlights those deeper notes.
• If you’re new to specialty coffee and want something easy to like, then opt for their most popular blends because they are generally crowd-pleasers.
• If you have a grinder and want the absolute freshest taste, then always buy whole bean coffee because you can grind it right before brewing.
• If convenience is paramount and you don’t own a grinder, then pre-ground coffee is your best bet because it saves you a step.
• If you’re on a tighter budget but still want decent coffee, then Seattle’s Best is a good choice because it offers solid quality at an accessible price point.
• If you’re making coffee for a crowd with varied tastes, then a medium roast blend is a safe bet because it tends to appeal to the widest range of palates.
• If you like experimenting with different flavor profiles, then look for their single-origin offerings if available because they showcase unique regional characteristics.
• If you’re brewing in a French press, then ensure you buy a coarse grind because a fine grind will result in muddy coffee.
• If you’re brewing with a pour-over or drip machine, then a medium grind is generally recommended because it provides good extraction without clogging the filter.
• If you’re looking for a bright, vibrant cup, then consider a lighter roast, but be aware it might taste more acidic than darker roasts.
• If you want to avoid bitterness, then steer clear of over-extracted coffee by ensuring your water temperature is correct and your brew time isn’t too long.

FAQ

Who originally owned Seattle’s Best Coffee?

The Schuchard brothers founded Seattle’s Best Coffee. They started it in Spokane, Washington, and it was originally called “The Wet Whisker.”

Is Seattle’s Best Coffee owned by Starbucks?

Yes, Starbucks acquired Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2003. This acquisition significantly expanded its distribution.

Where does Seattle’s Best Coffee beans come from?

Seattle’s Best Coffee sources beans from various coffee-growing regions around the world, typically focusing on Arabica beans. Specific origin details might vary by blend or roast.

What is the difference between Seattle’s Best Coffee roasts?

Their roasts range from light (more acidic, brighter flavors) to medium (balanced, smooth) to dark (bolder, richer, sometimes smoky notes). Each roast level brings out different characteristics of the beans.

Is Seattle’s Best Coffee good quality?

For its price point and availability, Seattle’s Best Coffee is generally considered good quality. It offers a reliable and accessible coffee experience for everyday drinkers.

Can I use Seattle’s Best Coffee for espresso?

Yes, you can use their beans for espresso, especially their darker roasts. You might need to adjust your grinder settings for a fine grind suitable for espresso machines.

How should I store Seattle’s Best Coffee?

Store your Seattle’s Best Coffee in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer, as this can introduce moisture and affect flavor.

What does “medium roast” mean for Seattle’s Best Coffee?

A medium roast typically results in a balanced flavor profile, with caramel and nutty notes often present. It’s less acidic than a light roast and less bitter than a dark roast, making it a popular choice for many.

What This Page Does NOT Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific Brewing Equipment Reviews: This page focuses on the coffee itself. For detailed reviews of coffee makers, grinders, or accessories, look for dedicated equipment guides.
• Advanced Brewing Techniques: We touch on basics, but topics like advanced pour-over methods, espresso extraction theory, or latte art are outside this scope.
• Detailed Bean Sourcing and Sustainability Reports: While we mention it as a priority, in-depth reports on ethical sourcing or specific farm partnerships would require consulting the brand’s official sustainability documentation.
• Comparison with Niche or Boutique Roasters: This guide focuses on an accessible brand. For comparisons with smaller, specialty roasters, you’ll need to seek out niche coffee publications.
• History of Other Seattle Coffee Brands: We’re here for Seattle’s Best origin story. If you’re curious about other brands, you’ll need to research them individually.