Location, location, location

As with most things in life, there are certain criteria that make things better or worse and coffee is no exception.  Where it is grown imparts a certain flavor to the cup.  Enter the coffee belt.  The coffee belt is the region between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropics of Capricorn.  This belt is the ideal climate for producing mature coffee cherries.  It typically has high altitudes, moist environments, and fertile soil.

There are three main regions of coffee when you look at the map in this way.  There are the American, African, and the Indonesian areas.  All three create a distinct growing region.  The differences in each region add to the specific taste qualities of each coffee varietal.   Rainfall, humidity, altitude, amount of shade, and soil all contribute to the flavors in the cup.  

There are many different micro climates in each region that can have an effect on the bean but for the most part the following characteristics hold for each region.  The amount of variables that contribute to the bean from the environment for each farm would fill several books so this is just a brief overview of some very general factors.  

The Americas

This region includes the Central and South Americas.  This region produces more coffee than the other two regions.  

Central American coffees tend to be wet processed and I can almost always taste some level of chocolate in them.  Most of my favorite coffees are from Central America.  I especially like Costa Rican and Guatemalan coffees.

The South American coffees, especially Colombian, are probably what most people are familiar.  I would say that these coffees have the most 'coffee' flavors of all the coffees.  They are generally mild and aromatic.  I find them to have a bit of nutty flavor to them, mostly peanut (especially in Brazilian coffees) but some hazelnut or walnut, and a mild milky chocolate.

Africa

African coffees are some of the most cherished among coffee lovers.  It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of coffee.  This region includes all of Africa and the Middle East countries such as Yemen.  The biggest characteristic of African coffee in the cup is the fruit flavors.  African coffees typically are very bright with flavors ranging from blueberry to orange and grapefruit to cherry with a winey finish.  I have had some natural processed Ethiopian coffees that are so fruity they smell like herbal tea when grinding them.

Indonesia

There are many islands and countries in this group.  Basically it is everything to the East and South of India.  I would consider these to be the most eclectic of coffees.  These are the ones you either love or hate, there is usually no middle ground.  These coffees tend to have a very earthy taste to them such as oak and ceder.  Most people just say they taste dirty and musty.  Indonesian coffees seem to be more hit or miss than the other regions.  I really like a good Sumatran with those deep woodsy flavors and dark chocolate.

What is your favorite locale for coffee and why?