What Makes Starbucks Reserve Coffee Different From The Regular Stuff?

It is probably not an exaggeration to say that everyone who drinks coffee knows the Starbucks brand (though fewer may know the origin story of the Starbucks name). The Seattle-based coffee conglomerate has for years held a strong grip on the fast cafe space, with tens of thousands of locations serving up countless of cups of coffee every year.

But even the most diehard Starbucks fans (like people who know how to order the Great Pumpkin Latte off the secret menu) might not know about the Starbucks Reserve line, which is the brand's boutique line of specialty coffees. This reserve line features unique mixes and roasts sourced from all over the world, including single-origin, family run plantations. While these coffees were initially only available in the few Starbucks Reserve Roasteries across the world, the beans can now sometimes be purchased in limited quantities at standard Starbucks stores (so you can have a bit more luxury in your morning coffee at home).

Starbucks' regular roast offerings are delicious enough on their own, but real coffee connoisseurs might want to check out the Starbucks Reserve line for a more unique and upscale coffee experience.

While most large-scale coffee operations pool beans from different growers and plantations, the Starbucks Reserve line keeps its different roasts from single-origin plantations separate, showcasing the delicate and nuanced flavors of the coffee. The different offerings of the Reserve coffee also often come from smaller, family-run farms, offering a designer flavor experience and supporting small businesses.

Worldwide, there are six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, located in Seattle, New York, Chicago, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Milan. Each has their own special Reserve blend to reflect the taste of the location. You can purchase these beans at the roastery (and sometimes at other Starbucks locations), allowing you to bring home a bit of luxury and brew a better cup of coffee without a personal barista.